100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games

Thu, Sep  3, 2009 - By FIS

The inaugural 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games closed last Sunday at Coronet Peak after 10 days of world-class competition in nine different sports, including Cross-Country, Alpine and Freestyle Skiing as well as Snowboarding of the FIS disciplines. The celebrations were marked by a closing ceremony that featured aerials, a parade of Coronet Peak ski instructors carrying all the nations’ flags down the mountain and a celebratory fireworks display.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key presented of the final day's awards to the successful athletes, as well as complementing the large number of international athletes who were committed to competing in spite of challenging weather conditions. Prime Minister Key also indicated that he was proud to showcase New Zealand to the international athletes and their supporters, as well as the considerable television viewing audience and went on to indicate the government's support for the continuation of regular 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games with the next edition in 2011.

Winter Games NZ Chairman, Sir Eion Edgar, handed over the magnificent trophy for the top performing country to Canada that won 10 gold, 12 silver and 10 bronze medals. The USA was runner-up, followed by Japan. The Winter Games were formally closed in a brief ceremony by Ngai Tahu elder Sir Tipene O'Regan on behalf of the indigenous Maori people of the area in which the Winter Games were held.