Valerie Adams is looking forward to a warm welcome from friends and family as well as representatives of the Tongan community when she touches down at Auckland Airport tomorrow morning.
En route to New Zealand today, Adams said she was looking forward to the celebrations.
I cant wait to get home, she said. I know friends and family will be waiting for me at the airport and Im so excited about the medal ceremony. Its just what I wanted.
A member of the Tongan Royal Family, the Honourable Lupe'olo Halaevalu Tupou Moheofo Virginia Rose Tuita, youngest daughter of Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita of Tonga, together with representatives of the New Zealand Pacific Island Sports Association, will present Adams with traditional celebratory necklaces on her arrival. Adams family and close friends will also be on-hand to welcome Adams home.
South Auckland schools have also been invited to welcome Adams at the airport.
The medal ceremony, developed by ANZ together with the New Zealand Olympic Committee and in consultation with Adams and her management team, kicks off on Wednesday evening in front of a crowd of 2500 at The Cloud in Auckland.
The ceremony is modelled on a traditional Olympic Medal Ceremony but also features members of Adams family and wider community.
The Southern Cross Campus choir from Adams former high school will lead the national anthem and Adams eleven-year-old niece Sharne Pupuke-Robati will be the flower bearer. Fourteen London 2012 Olympic medallists will also play a role in the celebrations.
The ceremony will air live on television and will be streamed by ANZ on their facebook page and on the big screen at Frank Kitts Park in Wellington.
The celebrations culminate in two spectacular fireworks displays over both Auckland and Wellington Harbours.
Adams arrives at Auckland Airport on Wednesday 19th September on NZ1 at 0545h.
