PORT MORESBY, July 3, 2015 – Weightlifter and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Tracey Lambrechs (NZL) has been chosen as the flag bearer for New Zealand’s first Pacific Games team at Saturday’s opening ceremony at the BSP Stadium.
Lambrechs told the Games News Service that it was an honour to be given the important role of being the nation’s flag bearer. “The Pacific Games is a stepping stone and key event for every New Zealand athlete in our team and I look forward to leading them into the stadium. It’s a privilege and this opportunity will make my Pacific Games experience all the more memorable,” she said. “Seeing fellow weightlifter Richie Patterson carry the New Zealand flag at the closing ceremony in Glasgow (2014 Commonwealth Games) instilled a great sense of pride in me, and I hope to do the same for our team here in Papua New Guinea.” The announcement was made at a welcome reception for the New Zealand team hosted by the New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Tony Fautua. Mr Fautua draped the New Zealand flag around Lambrech’s shoulders to the applause of fellow weightlifters, who performed a traditional Maori haka. Head of the New Zealand delegation, Natalie Tong, said Lambrechs would represent New Zealand with pride at the Games. “Tracey is an inspirational athlete and senior team member with proven results,” Tong said. “She embodies all that it means to be an outstanding New Zealander – excellence, pride and determination.” The 29-year-old Lambrech, from Auckland, is not new to competing in international meets. As well as winning bronze in the +75kg category at Glasgow 2014, she finished fifth at the Delhi 2010 event and placed second at the 2012 Oceania Championships. She is currently the Commonwealth-ranked No.3 in her weight class. After recovering from wrist surgery in September 2014, Lambrech competed in the Auckland and North Island Championships and qualified for the 2015 world championships in Houston with a total lift of 232kg. Speaking of her Port Moresby 2015 ambitions, Lambrech said: “I am aiming for the top spot in my category against strong competitors in Samoa and New Caledonia.” Pacific Games Media
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