MA News: Burmester to Captain Team New Zealand at 2007 Summer Universiade
June 14th, 2007
University Sport New Zealand (USNZ) announced that swimmer Moss Burmester will captain the New Zealand team competing at the 2007 Summer Universiade this August in Bangkok. The 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who will carry the flag at the opening ceremony, was chosen because of the respect that he holds amongst the team and the motivation he has to lead. ‘We are thrilled to have Moss as our captain. Having been to the last World University Games he’s aware of what the event is all about and will support the athletes and be an inspiration to the team’, said Chef de Mission Martin Macdonald. Competing in the 50m, 100m and 200m Butterfly and possibly the 400m Freestyle and 4x200m Freestyle Relay, Burmester will captain approximately 120 competitors and officials from the nine different sports in which the New Zealand team will compete. ‘It’s a big honour. I’ve wanted to carry the flag in for a long time now and I’m really looking forward to it. Most of all, I’m looking forward to helping the other athletes out and creating a good team atmosphere’, said Burmester. The New Zealand team that competed at the 2005 Summer Universiade in Izmir, Turkey was the most successful for USNZ in the 46 year history of the event, returning with five medals including a gold medal to track athlete Kim Smith in the women’s 5,000m. The 2005 team was captained by former swimmer Alison Fitch who has been selected as one of the support team members for Bangkok.
Moss Burmester (NZL), 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist
