Candle lighting tradition lives on at NWC2015
August 6, 2015
Captain's Call and Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015 Welcome Function at Luna Park. Photo: Narelle Spangher (NWC2015 Media)
The Silver Ferns, along with the other competing nations at Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015, gathered at Sydney’s Luna Park on Wednesday night to honour an age-old tradition of international Netball – the Candle Lighting Ceremony.
The Candle Lighting Ceremony dates back 52 years – back to the first official World Cup played in 1963. It provides players and officials the opportunity to honour the past, present and future of the sport before they take to the court to compete for the ultimate prize – the World Cup.
Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua participated in her second ceremony as captain – the only other Silver Ferns captain to do so on more than one occasion is Lyn Gunson (1979 and 1983).
“To be the one that lights the candle and says the oath is something very special. I’ve now done it for a second time, it’s always something special to be a part of,” Kopua said.
“It’s cool to be here with the captains of the other teams and see everybody again, but also to represent our team and our country is something that I’ll never forget.”
The Silver Ferns will open their NWC2015 campaign on Friday 7 August against Barbados. Fans back home in New Zealand can catch all the action live on SKY Sport 4 (check your local guides).
The Candle Lighting Ceremony dates back 52 years – back to the first official World Cup played in 1963. It provides players and officials the opportunity to honour the past, present and future of the sport before they take to the court to compete for the ultimate prize – the World Cup.
Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua participated in her second ceremony as captain – the only other Silver Ferns captain to do so on more than one occasion is Lyn Gunson (1979 and 1983).
“To be the one that lights the candle and says the oath is something very special. I’ve now done it for a second time, it’s always something special to be a part of,” Kopua said.
“It’s cool to be here with the captains of the other teams and see everybody again, but also to represent our team and our country is something that I’ll never forget.”
The Silver Ferns will open their NWC2015 campaign on Friday 7 August against Barbados. Fans back home in New Zealand can catch all the action live on SKY Sport 4 (check your local guides).