Disability Games: Thrilled to deliver oath

Otago University student Kiran Dixon lights the official flame at the opening ceremony  of the...
Otago University student Kiran Dixon lights the official flame at the opening ceremony of the Halberg Junior Disability Games in Cambridge last night. Halberg Trust chief executive Geoff Burgess looks on. Photo by Photosport.
Kiran Dixon made sure he had practised his lines at least a couple of times before delivering the athletes' oath and lighting the flame at the opening of the Halberg Junior Disability Games in Cambridge last night.

The 18-year-old University of Otago history and drama student was thrilled to be charged with the honour.

''I'm really excited about it,'' he told the Otago Daily Times earlier in the day.

''It is such an honour to be able to do that and I'm really astounded I've been asked to do that. It is going to be really cool.''

More than 100 athletes are taking part in the Games which started yesterday and wrap up tomorrow.

Otago has a team of 15 athletes. Dixon, who has a bone growth disorder, is entered in the wheelchair basketball, boccia, shot put and discus.

Dixon is new to wheelchair basketball but it has quickly become a favourite.

''I'm pretty new to the sport so I'm not sure how I will go but I'd say we'll do pretty well.''

Other events at the Games include football, blind cricket, para-cycling, triathlon, rowing and swimming.

The Games provide participants an opportunity to pursue further sports goals including a pathway to Paralympics.

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