By JULIE ASH
Team Dennis Conner will pay their respects to those who died in the September 11 terrorist attacks by hosting 20 New York City Firefighters during the Louis Vuitton Challenger series.
The firefighters will visit Auckland and Team Dennis Conner en route to the World Firefighters Games in Christchurch from October 26 to November 2.
Organisers of the 7th World Firefighters Games have dedicated the games to the memory of all firefighters who have lost their lives in the course of duty - particularly the New York firefighters who died in the World Trade Centre disaster last year.
The games have been named "The Memorial Games".
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the World Firefighters Games, especially because this year's games are in honour of those who have lost their lives in the course of duty - particularly to our 343 brothers who gave their lives last September," said Vinny Plover, a New York City firefighter.
"We are also looking forward to cheering on Dennis and his crew in Auckland as they work to bring the America's Cup back to New York where it belongs."
The New York Yacht Club held the Cup for 132 years before losing it to Australia in 1983.
The World Firefighters Games are held in a different location every two years and include 72 sporting events.
The New York City firefighters' trip to New Zealand was funded by Ace Insurance company.
They are due to arrive in Auckland on October 22.
"Representing the United States in an international competition is always an honour but to do so with these real-life heroes cheering for us will be awe-inspiring," said Stars and Stripes head Dennis Conner.
New York firefighters back Conner's Cup team
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