BEEF + LAMB NEW ZEALAND AND THE NEW ZEALAND TEAM COOK UP A BEEF + LAMB OLYMPIC CHALLENGE
David Liti and Peter Gordon with winning team from Wesley Intermediate School
Celebrating the recently announced partnership between Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the New Zealand Team, a special culinary event took place in Auckland today. Five groups of Auckland school children - potentially our next generation of Olympic heroes, were invited into the Homeland kitchen to cook alongside Olympians, all under the expert guidance of renowned chef Peter Gordon.
The event, aptly named the 'Beef + Lamb Olympic Challenge,' served as a vibrant demonstration of collaboration and inspiration with the spirit of athleticism, as the children had the unique opportunity to cook up gold medal-winning meals using New Zealand grass-fed beef alongside their Olympic idols.
"The partnership between Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the New Zealand Team represents a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of our youth and supporting our current Olympic stars," said Beef + Lamb New Zealand CEO Kit Arkwright.
"Our partnership with the New Zealand Team represents more than support; it's about nourishing our champions. New Zealand beef and lamb, packed with essential nutrients, embody our dedication to feeding the Fern. As our New Zealand Team strives for excellence, we're proud to provide the sustenance they need to succeed."
New Zealand Olympic Committee Chief Executive Nicki Nicol says the partnership is a natural fit. " Beef + Lamb New Zealand's steadfast support of our esteemed athletes reflects their dedication to sports and nutrition excellence in New Zealand. This partnership fully aligns with our shared commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles and athletic success. We're delighted to welcome them into our family of partners."
Peter Gordon expressed his enthusiasm at being a part of the event. “Today was a lot of fun. Homeland and I have a longstanding relationship with Beef + Lamb New Zealand who support our Community Cooking Schools and I feel honoured to have been able to host this event (before we sadly close the doors of Homeland in July) and be a part of the action.”
Arkwright reflects on the day “It was a wonderful way to celebrate our partnership with the New Zealand Team, while at the same time bringing sports, nutrition, kids and community together.”
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The Beef + Lamb Olympic Challenge was led by chef Peter Gordon at the Homeland Restaurant in Auckland on Wednesday 3 April, 2024.
The children are participants of the Sport Auckland Healthy Active Learning initiative and had the opportunity to learn basic culinary skills and cooked up a delicious baked cheesy beef meatballs with tomato chickpea stew recipe.
Schools that attended included Grey Lynn School, Glenbrae School, Point England School, Wesley Intermediate School and Howick Intermediate School.
The children were guided by Olympians David Liti (weightlifter), Alicia Hoskin (canoe sprinter), Maddi Wesche (shot putter), Finn Butcher (canoe slalom), and Alexis Pritchard (ex boxer).
The winning school of the Beef + Lamb Olympic challenge was Wesley Intermediate School with Olympian David Liti.