Adams first Pacific sports ambassador
Valerie Adams has been selected as New Zealand's first Pacific sports ambassador.
The triple Olympic shot put medallist will travel to Tonga and Samoa next week to conduct coaching clinics with promising athletes in the island nations of the Pacific.
The deal has been done through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade rather than the Ministry of Sport and Recreation.
Adams is excited at the prospect of making a difference.
“They don't have the resources or infrastructure to make that happen . . . so hopefully while we are there we can help advise on ways to make it better and give the kids the opportunity.
“I know the struggles and how hard it is to make the change for a better lifestyle.
“I came from a poor family, but a bit of education and knowledge goes a long way. The kids will only follow what they see and what is taught, and if we’re able to inspire the people around them to make those small changes, I want to get involved.
“My biggest aim is to get my people more active, living a healthy lifestyle, and help them with diabetes and obesity. We just need to get down on the ground and work towards it.”
In January 2015, Adams became the first woman in the history of her Tongan village Houma to be anointed a matapule, or chief.
Foreign Minister Murray McCully said Adams is “uniquely qualified” for the position.
“She has strong connections to the Pacific through her Tongan heritage and is one of New Zealand's most successful athletes.
“This [ is in addition to] the Government's recent announcement of a $ 10 million Pacific Sporting Partnerships programme aimed at getting more children in Pacific countries playing organised sports.”
Adams i s expected to build the new role around her athletic commitments, which have reduced since the Rio Olympics.