New Zealand lawn bowls pair Katelyn Inch and Selina Goddard are eager to get their Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign underway after arriving in Glasgow ahead of the opening competition.
"It's been a bit of a whirlwind since getting off the bus," said Inch, as the pair settled into the Games Village and took in their new surroundings yesterday.
For Inch, who is competing at her third Commonwealth Games, the official team welcome was another reminder of what it means to represent New Zealand.
"The team welcome and haka is always something so special. It's a goosebumps type of feeling."
With the bowls venue visible from their hotel room, excitement is continuing to build as they prepare to step onto the rink for their first training session this afternoon.
The pair will have the honour of competing on the opening day of New Zealand's competition in Glasgow – a moment made even more memorable as it coincides with Goddard's birthday.
"It's going to be amazing. It's also Selina's birthday that day, so it's just going to be a great day all round," Inch said. "It's really special to be starting things off for the team, and we'll have our friends and family there too."
After months of preparation and visualising this moment, the reality of finally competing on the Commonwealth Games stage is beginning to sink in.
"We've pictured it and visualised it for a long time, and now those emotions are catching up with us because the day is finally here."
With a successful preparation camp in Ireland behind them, the New Zealand duo are feeling confident ahead of their opening match on the 23rd of July.