Let the games begin - Asian Winter Games officially opens
Published Sun 19 Feb 2017
The spectacular Sapporo Dome played host to the opening ceremony of the eighth Asian Winter Games and Australia's delegation welcomed the opportunity to march in the official proceedings.
The Australians were greeted by cheers and applause from the enthusiastic Japanese crowd and for some team members there were familiar faces waving back.
This is the first occasion that Australia has been invited to the Asian Winter Games and the team of 30 athletes is taking advantage of every opportunity. The event has attracted 1,200 athletes from 32 nations with Australia and New Zealand participating as guests.
Alpine skier Zanna Farrell was enjoying getting to know athletes from other sports.
“Nice to meet people from different sports but from the same country,” Farrell said. “My room-mate Casey is a cross country skier and she does something completely different to what I do. It’s cool rooming with someone who I don’t know very well.”
17-year-old Farrell wasn’t expecting the reception waiting for her and her team-mates at the Sapporo Dome.
“Really cool to be part of such a huge event and watch all the other teams go out. It didn’t look that big on the screen where we were watching the other teams walk out, but when we walked out it was huge. A lot bigger than what I expected.”
Now the opening ceremony is over flagbearer Lockett is looking forward to competition getting underway.
“I’ve been skating good the past two days during training,” Lockett said.” I’m ready to face off against all the top Asian girls who are here.”
An in-form Lockett recently matched her personal best World Cup result and is feeling good.
“I’m still working on some racing aspects, I’m physically fit and injury free so I’m that’s a good thing.”
The Asian Winter Games runs from 19-26 February with action in Snowboard Slalom and Cross Country Skiing first up.
The following athletes will be competing at the Asian Winter Games this week:
Millie Bongiorno Snowboard – Giant Slalom, Slalom
Christian De Oliveira Snowboard - Giant Slalom, Slalom
Nicholas Masjuk Snowboard – Giant Slalom, Slalom
Holly Crawford Snowboard Halfpipe
Jakara Anthony Freestyle Mogul Skiing, Dual Moguls
Sophie Ash Freestyle Mogul Skiing, Dual Moguls
Ben Matsumoto Freestyle Mogul Skiing, Dual Moguls
Cooper Woods-Topalovic Freestyle Mogul Skiing, Dual Moguls
Zanna Farrell Alpine – Giant Slalom, Slalom
Liam Michael Alpine – Giant Slalom, Slalom
Jackson Bursill Cross Country - 1.4km Sprint*, 10km Classic, 15km Free, 30km Free (Mass Start)
Ben Sim Cross Country - 1.4km Sprint*, 10km Classic, 15km Free, 30km Free (Mass Start)
Casey Wright Cross Country – 1.4km Sprint*, 5km Classic, 10km Free, 15km Free (Mass Start)
Live streaming is available on the Sapporo17 website.
Article courtesy olympics.com.au