The New Zealand Olympic Committee has confirmed Valerie Adams Olympic gold medal has been received in good condition by the IOC and preparations are underway for a public ceremony in Auckland next week.
Adams will return to New Zealand from Switzerland on Wednesday 19th September and the medal ceremony will take place at The Cloud on Aucklands waterfront that evening.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee is working on the event in conjunction with partner ANZ as well as Adams and her management.
Its exactly what I wanted, said a delighted Adams this morning. A public celebration on the night I arrive back home is wonderful. Im looking forward to celebrating the gold medal with the people of New Zealand, as well as my family and members of the New Zealand Olympic team.
The medal will be presented to Adams by Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, Governor-General of New Zealand and New Zealand Olympic Committee Patron, who was at the 2012 London Olympic Games to support the New Zealand Olympic Team.
More than 2,500 people are expected to gather at the free public event which will feature a performance from New Zealand Olympic song writing competition winner Sam RB, the medal ceremony and national anthem as well as a spectacular fireworks display in honour of Adams and the New Zealand Olympic Team.
Adams will be joined at the event by gold medallists Mahe Drysdale, Eric Murray, Hamish Bond, Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie as well as other medallists and members of the 2012 team.
New Zealand Olympic Committee Secretary General Kereyn Smith said the event would be outstanding.
Weve been working with Valerie to create a memorable event and are delighted to invite the people of New Zealand to share it, she said. It will be a wonderful occasion that honours her achievements on the worlds stage, as well the success of our proud Olympic team.
This is the very first time an Olympic gold medal will be presented in New Zealand and is an incredible opportunity for Kiwis to be proud and get involved.
Chief Executive of ANZ in New Zealand David Hisco said he was thrilled to be hosting an event for a true New Zealand champion.
As a sponsor of the New Zealand Olympic team we were determined that Val was presented her medal in a way that reflected her tremendous achievement at the London Games and showed the wonderful pride of all New Zealanders.
While the ceremony itself takes place in Auckland, the medal ceremony will be simulcast by ANZ on a big screen at Frank Kitts Park in Wellington followed by a second major fireworks display on Wellington Harbour.
The fireworks in taking place in both Auckland and Wellington are set to be two of the largest displays ever seen in New Zealand.
WHERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS:
From tomorrow afternoon, The Radio Network will be giving away more than 2,000 tickets to watch the event live at The Cloud. The participating stations are:
Classic Hits Auckland, ZM Auckland, Flava Auckland, Radio Hauraki, Radio Sport and Coast
More details about how and where New Zealanders can watch the ceremony will be released tomorrow. Please visit ANZ's Facebook Page at facebook.com/ANZNewZealand (link: http://www.facebook.com/ANZNewZealand)
