NZ Idol performs for Olympic team

ATHENS - The New Zealand Olympic team swayed to the sounds of New Zealand Idol Ben Lummis at their official team dinner here tonight.

Lummis made a surprise guest appearance at the function held to announce the team's opening ceremony flagbearer on Friday night, singing the song he is best known for, Can't Take That Away.

His biggest fan appeared to be flagbearer Beatrice Faumuina, the discus thrower earning cheers from teammates for her dancing.

Chef de mission Dave Currie told NZPA he rang Lummis the day after he won the New Zealand Idol television talent contest, asking him to come and perform for the Olympic team.

Lummis was delighted to do so, flying courtesy of the New Zealand Olympic Committee and getting a free ticket to the opening ceremony.

- NZPA