NZSkier.com - Magazine, Video, Web

15th March 2010

Otagos Adam Hall carried the flag for New Zealand at the Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympics Games this evening.

The two time Paralympian was honoured to represent New Zealand at the awe-inspiring event and in front of a capacity crowd of nearly 60,000 at the BC Stadium.

Adam is the epitome of the professional athlete. He lives and breathes high performance and  he was the obvious choice to carry the symbol of our nation at the pinnacle of international competitive winter sports, said Chef de Mission, Jon Turnbull.

Hall's rise to the top of the sport began at the 2006 Torino Winter Paralympic Games.

"It was there that he set his goals and aspirations to become the best he could be."

"Over the past four years he has proved that his best can be equivalent to the best in the world.  We are aiming for gold.  Adam has worked hard and he's certainly shown he is capable of standing atop the podium at these Games."

The Opening Ceremony kicked off the Games, which take place from 12-21 March.

Two athletes will represent New Zealand at the Games, Hall, and 24-year-old debutant, Peter Williams from Auckland.  Both will compete in skiing events.

Hall is the first of the two athletes to compete, with the Super G set to start at 7.30am on Monday 15 March (NZT)., weather permitting.

As a result of heavy snow, it is possible that some events may be rescheduled.