The New Zealand team were treated to a superb medieval themed entertainment as they were officially welcomed to the Olympic Village tonight.
The local organisation committee and Village Mayor welcomed the New Zealand team where the flag was officially raised.
Instead of the more traditional Team Welcome Ceremony, a troupe of troubadours dressed in medieval costume performed and interacted with the New Zealand team.
Tomorrow two teams depart the Village. The New Zealand womens football team head to Cardiff to prepare for their opening match of the Olympics against hosts Great Britain at Millennium Stadium. They are the first sporting encounter of the XXX Olympiad.
Some of the team members and coach Tony Readings met with the New Zealand media today.
Also leaving tomorrow is the mens hockey team who will head to the south of England for a further preparation match and then some downtime before they return to begin their competition in 10 days.
In sad news, 5,000 metre runner Adrian Blincoe announced his withdrawal from the New Zealand Olympic team following an ankle injury. Blincoe is en route to the US where he the nature of the injury will be diagnosed.
The next major influx of competitors into the village is on Sunday.
