To rile up the Bay of Plenty olympians ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, kiwis are encouraged to create their own inspiring pep talks for the Bay of Plenty athletes. 

Families of Olympians Julian David and Luuka Jones - both born and raised in the Bay of Plenty - are some of the first to get amongst the action, and have filmed their own team talks before the Olympics officially kick off this weekend. 

“You’ve taken to climbing like a duck to water and we’re so proud of you and all the support to get you here," says the David family to Julian. 

“From the humble beginnings of the Wairoa River, we are so proud of how far you’ve come," says the Jones family to Luuka,

"We’ve always admired your determination and perseverance through both the highs and the lows.. and your sporty genetics inherited from Nana.”

"The road to where you are today hasn’t been an easy one and you’ve made so many sacrifices. You’ve helped pave the way for Canoe Slalom NZ and a huge inspiration for Women in your chosen sport. Go Aunty Luuka!” 

The best videos will be played at New Zealand House, the home of Team New Zealand during the Games, and on the Sky TV broadcast during the Olympics coverage. 

Team Talk

Kiwis are being called upon to show their support for our Olympians ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics by sending in motivational video clips. 

The clips will be hosted at 2degreesTeamTalk.nz, and the best ones will be played at New Zealand House, the home of Team New Zealand during the Games, and on the Sky TV broadcast during the Olympics coverage. 

To kick off the campaign, 2degrees has called on the support of Paddy Gower and the families of Kiwi Olympians.  

An avid – albeit uncoordinated – Olympic fan, Gower welcomed the opportunity to be involved. 

“As you all know, I’m between jobs at the moment, so I couldn’t say no when my mate from 2degrees gave me the call to be involved in this awesome campaign,” says Paddy Gower.  

“I bloody love the Olympics and I can’t wait for our current crop of Olympians to forge their names in history.” 

In his rousing team talk, Gower celebrates the swish of Dame Lisa Carrington’s paddle pulling the nation forward and the swish of John Walker’s mullet. 

And, of course, in classic Gower style the speech ends with an iconic call to arms. 
 
Family members of the Olympians have also sent in video clips to show their support for their loved ones on the biggest stage.  

The families of canoeist Luuka Jones and teenage climber Julian David are among those who have shared words of support.   

Having now seen a few examples, Kiwis are being encouraged to submit their own pep talks at 2degreesTeamTalk.nz 

“We really want to help Kiwis show their support for Olympians,” says 2degrees chief executive Mark Callander.  

“Whether you take inspiration from Paddy Gower, Al Pacino in Any Given Sunday or your five-a-side indoor football team captain, or just want to say ‘good luck’ we want to hear from Kiwis excited about the Olympics.” 

The Olympics officially kicks off on Saturday, July 27.