Enduring reminders of spirit

By DAVID LEGGAT at the Games

Some images have a way of sticking in the memory long after the moment has gone.

Amid the passing parade of pictures which come and go from the mind in a flash, they have a special quality which makes them live on.

Two such instances happened yesterday, one very public, the other far more private, when the New Zealand flag was raised at the Commonwealth Games athletes village.

This is essentially a symbolic event, a way of marking the arrival of each competing nation.

A few positive words are spoken by a dignitary, in this case Robert Hough, whose title is mayor of the Games village. A few positive words are offered in response, yesterday by New Zealand chef de mission Dave Currie.

Hands are shaken and gifts exchanged.

Yesterday, a large gathering of New Zealand athletes and officials, sheltering from the driving wind and rain in a makeshift tent without sides, was entertained by a group of about 40 pupils of Tarvin Primary School in Cheshire, 48km west of Manchester.

Having performed a locally composed song called The Mancunian Way, written for the Games, the children, complete with face paint, launched into an enthusiastic haka.

That got a rapturous reception.

Then Eric Rush brought his sevens rugby team forward. As the pupils gathered in front of the stage, Bruce Reihana led the way in their own rousing haka in reply.

The young faces were a picture - a mix of awe, excitement, bemusement and total fascination as something they had seen only on television unfolded before their eyes, just five paces away.

"They thought it was fantastic, something they will always remember," head teacher Jean Nield said.

"They couldn't believe the impact and sheer energy of it."

That was something the kids also provided, and for which they deserved a medal of their own, clad only in T-shirts and shorts on a bitter afternoon.

The other lingering image came from the back of the assembled throng.

As the athletes stood for God Defend New Zealand, Dallas Seymour - one of the longest serving of sevens players, but not required for these Games - stood straight-backed in full voice at the back of the gathering.

His wife, Silver Ferns captain Julie Seymour, was there with her team-mates up near the front. It was a small, but compelling vignette of what representing one's country is all about.

For many of the athletes, ceremonies such as yesterday's are more than merely symbolic.

Take the view of 50km walker Craig Barrett: "This is what it's all about. It's not just about going out and training on a road and winning a gold medal.

"It's about experiencing all these things, the culture and welcoming of people. I love all that stuff."

* Pole vaulter Jenni Dryburgh has withdrawn from the Games.

"After battling form and following a fitness trial in Manchester, Jenni met team manager Ken Simpson and withdrew," Athletics New Zealand general manager John Stewart said.

Full coverage:
nzherald.co.nz/manchester2002

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