‘An honour I couldn’t refuse’
GOLD COAST: Para swimmer Sophie Pascoe says she will carry the New Zealand ensign high after being named team flagbearer for tonight’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
Chef de mission Rob Waddell confirmed the 25yearold would carry the standard at the Games opening, where the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will be among a 35,000strong capacity crowd at Carrara Stadium.
She will be the first para athlete to carry New Zealand’s flag in a Games opening ceremony and was chosen over champion shot putter Tom Walsh, who many tipped for the honour.
Waddell said Pascoe epitomised the values and culture of the 251strong New Zealand team.
‘‘What this athlete does transcends sport and touches the hearts and emotions of every New Zealander — she is an inspiration to all people.’’
Waddell said Pascoe would follow in the footsteps of some of New Zealand’s greatest sportspeople when she led the team into the stadium, including last year’s flagbearer and threetime Commonwealth Games champion Valerie Adams.
New Zealand athletes will compete in 18 sports and the team includes 11 athletes competing in three para disciplines — athletics, swimming and bowls.
Pascoe, who was presented with a pounamu pendant by New Zealand GovernerGeneral Patsy Reddy, found out she would be flagbearer at the opening ceremony just two weeks ago.
‘‘Look, I was pretty shocked,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s a huge honour to wear the silver fern in the first place, but to lead our team and be with the team, it was an honour I obviously couldn’t refuse.
‘‘To be called just as another athlete, not a para,’’ she said, choking back tears.
‘‘That’s the biggest thing I can take away from leading the team out. I’ll make sure that flag is pretty high up in the air.’’
The Glasgow double gold medalwinning para swimmer has competed at three Para lympics, winning nine golds.
She lost her left leg below the knee following a lawnmower accident when she was 2. — NZN