Rotorua shows support for Commonwealth Games

Countdown Rotorua store manager Steve Green, Toi A Te Anahera Prime (front) and Davao Prime(back) will all be watching the Commonwealth Games. Photo/Ben Fraser

A little bit of Rotorua will soon be winging its way to Scotland in support of our Commonwealth Games team.

Hundreds of local shoppers have signed their names and messages for the team on a large New Zealand flag at Countdown Fenton St. The supermarket was one of 10 Countdown stores around the country that invited the public to sign a flag with messages of support for the New Zealand team. The flags will now be sent to Glasgow, where they will hold pride of place at the Kiwi team's base.

The Commonwealth Games begin on Wednesday.

Twins Toi A Te Anahera and Davao Prime, 10, said they would be watching the Games on TV.

The sisters said their favourite sports were netball and swimming - both of which will be on display in Glasgow.

The flag signing event was part of Countdown's sponsorship of the Commonwealth Games team and the 2016 New Zealand Olympic team.

Countdown managing director Dave Chambers said the messages would be a huge encouragement to Kiwi athletes competing at the Games.

Kereyn Smith, chief executive of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, said the flags would be "proudly displayed" at the athletes' village in Glasgow.