The New Zealand Commonwealth Games Team has wrapped up a successful campaign in Glasgow.
Glasgow 2014 concluded with a tally of 45 medals for New Zealand including 14 gold, 14 silver and 17 bronze. This is the highest number of gold medals won at a Commonwealth Games outside New Zealand and equals the medal count of Manchester 2002 - making this our most successful away-games ever.
As the team now prepares to celebrate their success at tonights Closing Ceremony, Chef de Mission, Rob Waddell praised the team, organisers and hosts. Its been an outstanding games for New Zealand. Not only have we won the greatest number of gold medals and equalled our previous best result at an away-games, we also won New Zealands 600th Commonwealth Games medal.
The attitude, commitment and performance of the athletes here in Glasgow has been high, he continued. Weve seen a strong focus on performance planning and execution and several initiatives within our team, such as the preparation and recovery unit, have really paid dividends.
The Glasgow organisers have delivered to a very high standard and, as hosts, the people of Glasgow have been warm and welcoming.
CEO of the New Zealand Olympic Committee Kereyn Smith also praised the performance of the team. We set high selection standards and still sent one of our largest teams ever with 232 athletes competing. Their performances have inspired pride and excellence in New Zealanders.
Smith also praised Waddell and his team. There was an absolute focus on planning, preparation and delivery across all areas and this has paid off. We are in good shape for the delivery of the Rio Olympic Games.
Smith also acknowledged the invaluable commercial and philanthropic partners that support the athletes at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. We rely heavily on our partners who must provide around 85% of our funding over this four year cycle to enable our athletes to compete at the games and we thank them for their ongoing support. New Zealand Olympic Committee
President Mike Stanley said the future of the Commonwealth Games was bright. Glasgow has hosted a fantastic event which has reinforced the value of the Commonwealth Games for New Zealand athletes and a provided a renewed sense of confidence in the Commonwealth Games family.
I would like to personally acknowledge the achievements and commitment of our athletes in Glasgow. They have inspired a generation of young New Zealanders. The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games conclude tonight at 9pm as the official Closing Ceremony gets underway at Hampden Park at 9pm. Around 150 team members are expected to take part in the evenings festivities.