New Zealand's aspiring Olympians, who range in age from 12 to 19 and who come from all around New Zealand, will compete in 14 of the 16 summer and winter sports across five days.
The Chef de Mission is Nigel Avery, two time Commonwealth Games Gold medalist in Manchester 2002 for weightlifting. Avery is currently the General Manager of Sport at the Millennium Institute of Sport and Health. As Chef de Mission Avery will lead the 248 strong team, which is made up of 177 athletes, as well as coaches, team managers and support staff.
Avery said he was very proud to be part of the New Zealand team and excited about the prospects in Sydney next year.
"The festival provides some of New Zealand's most talented sporting youth an amazing stepping stone to compete against world class opposition in our own back yard. Our goal is to create a positive, safe and inspirational environment where every athlete can maximise their potential on the day," said Avery.
In sending a team to compete at the fourth international Australian Youth Olympic Festival, the New Zealand Olympic Committee continues its commitment to providing inspirational experiences for our emerging sports stars, said Barry Maister, Secretary General of the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
"In particular, the New Zealand Olympic Committee is supporting these future Olympians by providing unique opportunities for young people to excel through sport and gain the experiences they need to excel in future Commonwealth and Olympic Games."
The five day competition sees 190 events take place in the Sydney 2000 Olympic venues and aims to emulate an Olympic Games experience. The aspiring Olympians will experience: life in the Olympic Village; drug education; the opening ceremony and its protocols, including experiencing lighting the Olympic flame, flying the Olympic flag, the Parade of Nations and the Olympic oath; and the excitement and emotion of medal ceremonies.
Gymsports:
Athletes (11)
Briana MITCHELL, Artistic, Howick
Jessica RAWNSLEY, Artistic Manurewa
Mikhail KOUDINOV, Artistic, Auckland
Antonia MCAULEY, Rhythmic, Auckland
Kelly MACDONALD, Rhythmic, Auckland
Madeson WEST, Rhythmic, Auckland
Teegan METCALFE, Rhythmic, Auckland
Jessica SHAW, Trampoline, Auckland
Kierran TUHI, Trampoline, Manurewa
Kimberley SHEA, Trampoline, Christchurch
Ryan BESSELING, Trampoline, Gisborne
Support Staff (6)
Tracey REDHEAD, Manager Female Auckland
Alexandre KOUDINOV, Artistic Coach Male Auckland
Lee McDERMOTT, Artistic Coach, Auckland
Marnie STERNER, Rhythmic Coach, Auckland
Gerry O'BRIEN, Trampoline Coach, Mt Albert
Janine GLOVER, Trampoline Coach, Auckland
Total Gymnastics Team: 17
