NZ welcomed into Glasgow

4:24 pm on 23 July 2014

The New Zealand team has been officially welcomed into the athletes' village for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

New Zealand Commonwealth Games team welcomed to Glasgow.

New Zealand Commonwealth Games team welcomed to Glasgow. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Of the 232 strong New Zealand team, 175 were on hand as locals welcomed them to the city for the Games, which start with the opening ceremony on Thursday morning.

The team was welcomed with a display of colour, song and dance by the British National Youth Theatre.

Gifts were exchanged as part of the formalities before New Zealand's national anthem was played and the flag raised.

New Zealand Commonwealth Games team welcomed to Glasgow.

New Zealand Commonwealth Games team welcomed to Glasgow. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Arrivals into the village included a 16-strong swimming team direct from Spain as well as the six triathletes, female boxers, badminton players and additional weightlifters.

The New Zealand flag-bearer for the opening ceremony will be named on Wednesday.

Chef de mission Rob Waddell said the set-up in Glasgow had run smoothly so far, the team's really, really happy and there's an air of focus.

He said a suspected norovirus outbreak in the athletes' village had not affected any competitors or officials. The outbreak has left 53 workers ill, although no competitors or officials have fallen sick.

New Zealand athletes are competing in all 17 sports, with the netballers and triathletes among those in action on the first day (Thursday night NZ time).