Keddell brings Olympic message

Talented Somerville Intermediate School hockey players recently got to chill out with NZ Black Sticks hockey player Rose Keddell.

The Tokyo-bound Olympian was at Somerville Intermediate to speak to players and Kawarau Whanau students as part of the nationwide Olympic Ambassadors in schools programme.

Keddell spoke to a packed school hall about being the best you can be and living up to the Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence.

Keddell, a midfielder from Tauranga, will be heading to her second Olympic Games, after placing fourth at Rio 2016. The Olympics are scheduled to be held from July 23 to August 8, 2021 in Tokyo.

With more than 200 caps to her name, Keddell has also been to two Commonwealth Games – winning gold at Gold Coast 2018 and bronze at Glasgow 2014.