Rain not a problem for Maadi Cup Regatta opening parade
Olympic Gold medalist, Hamish Bond was among hundreds that braved the rain to attend the Maadi Cup Regatta parade this this morning.
Hundreds of competitors and supporters braved the weather this morning for the official Maadi Cup Regatta opening parade.
School rowers, from all over the country and resplendent in their blazers, gathered in Cambridge waving their banners with pride.
The parade from Cambridge Primary School to the town square was a flurry of activity and noise with school chants and colourfully dressed mascots – everything from smurfs to
crocodiles.
In the town square, Cambridge High School’s 1st XV rugby team performed the haka which was then answered by a number of the competing schools.
Olympic gold medallist, Hamish Bond attended the parade and gave the rowers some fighting words of encouragement.
“I remember all my days in the Maadi like they were yesterday… Maadi’s massive for you guys, it’s where it all started, it’s where it all started for me – I wish you all the
best for the week.”
Bond and his rowing partner Eric Murray have missed the Sydney World Cup to cheer the rowers on and will be awarding medals towards the end of the week.
First victory went to Hamilton’s Hillcrest High School who took out the banner competition today with Bond impressed by their use of colour.
The rain did not stop any of the teams from swarming the Olympic gold medallist for as many photos as they could.
“It would be nice if the girls were like this 10 years ago when I was at school,” says Bond.
On behalf of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rowing Association Trudy Keys welcomed everyone to 2013 Maadi Cup Regatta at Lake Karapiro and declared the event open.
