Taranaki Daily News

Hometown show for cup hero

- ANAN ZAKI

Picton put on a show for the America’s Cup parade and the town was rewarded with a chance to get up close to the giant silver trophy.

As thousands of people lined the streets of Picton on Thursday evening to welcome their sailing heroes, a last-minute decision was made by none other than local hero Joseph Sullivan to walk the parade instead of standing and waving on the back of a ute.

It was a decision that caused the parade to be much longer than planned but it gave Marlburian­s a chance to get up and close to the ‘‘Auld Mug’’.

Emirates Team New Zealand members manoeuvred their way through a maze of people, stopped for photos, chats and even gave opportunit­ies for the crowd to touch the trophy.

Picton native and Team New Zealand member Joseph Sullivan, was thrilled with the turnout, which was far greater than expected. ‘‘This is pretty special, we’ve got pretty much all of Picton out here today, I expected a few people but this is just astounding,’’ Sullivan said.

He also reflected on the pride to have represente­d his hometown.

‘‘It’s really special to have everyone here and be able to represent not only New Zealand but Picton, it’s incredible,’’ Sullivan said.

The parade was months in the making and Picton Smart and Connected’s Chrissy Powlesland,who played a key role in bringing the team to town, was beaming with excitement.

‘‘It’s really amazing, we’ve had such a fantastic day and what a fantastic turnout, I think Picton’s population has probably doubled today,’’ Powlesland said.

‘‘The weather has really turned it on, the guys have been amazing.’’

Team NZ are on tour, showing the America’s Cup trophy to all regions of New Zealand.

 ?? PHOTO: RICKY WILSON/STUFF ?? Joseph Sullivan holds the America’s Cup as he and the team walk down High St in Picton.
PHOTO: RICKY WILSON/STUFF Joseph Sullivan holds the America’s Cup as he and the team walk down High St in Picton.

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