New Zealand Olympic athletes will be bringing the spirit of the Olympic Games to underprivileged kids in Rio as part of a new partnership with the city's Mangueira community.
Through Olympian visits, coaching sessions and gifting of equipment and clothing, New Zealand athletes hope to have a positive impact on the young people of the underprivileged neighbourhood situated in the hills of the northern part of the 2016 Olympic Games host city.
It has a population of approximately 45,000, of which 30 percent are children aged under 14 years.
At the announcement today New Zealand Olympic Team Chef de Mission Rob Waddell, a three-time Olympian himself, gave a large crowd of excited children a taste of what to expect during the Olympic Games this year.
He shared his Olympic gold medal from the Sydney 2000 Games and challenged the bravest of the youngsters to a 100m sprint on two new rowing machines donated by the New Zealand team.
The delegation also took part in a number of sporting activities with the youngsters including athletics, rugby sevens and traditional Brazilian capoeira.
Waddell says the partnership with the social project will enable Kiwi athletes to make a meaningful contribution to the host city while learning more about the people of Rio and its culture.
"We really want our athletes to connect with the vibrant local community and also make a positive impact on young people through sport,"
"We will share our medals, our stories and our skills to encourage sport participation. Our athletes will also benefit as they learn about a new culture and see first-hand the positive impact sport can have," he said.
"Sport has the power to transform lives. Through sport young people develop confidence, communication, leadership and decision-making skills and we're delighted to support the outstanding work of the Mangueira social project while we're in Rio.
Presidente Chiquinho da Mangueira/Director of Olympic Village Samuel Belarmino said he welcomed the support of the New Zealand Olympic Team.
