The main obvious effect for NZ Olympic teams from the focus outlined has been in terms of a clear and solid sense of team unity and togetherness. In terms of Carron and Spinks` (1993) cohesiveness indicators, there has been a substantial increase in positive social interaction and communication, obvious team stability and acceptance of role responsibilities and a commitment to shared group norms. A heightened sense of trust and security with each other has developed in our Games` Teams and athletes display a commitment to and enjoyment from being part of a unified team. In both 2004 and 2006 those athletes and support personnel who had been to other Olympics commented very favourably on these features in contrast to their experience at previous Games. The Athens Games were very successful for the New Zealand Team, both in terms of medal count and quality performances, but also in terms of satisfaction and enjoyment. Several athletes at both the Athens and Torino Games have publicly acknowledged the power of the One Team - One Spirit philosophy and experience in terms of their performance, but also in terms of having a greater understanding of what being a New Zealander actually means. The essentials outlined above were carried through to the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, where the first author was in the Team as a Mental Skills Trainer. Given the size of the Team things were on a smaller scale, but the vision was the same and the One Team - One Spirit actions and ethos were a central objective. The vision is dynamic and evolving and at present planning is proceeding for Beijing and beyond (Vancouver 2010) with the same fundamental principles driving things forward, along with recognising the context of Chinese culture and what this means (New Zealand has historical links with mainland China through Chinese immigration during a Gold rush era that occurred in the mid-1800s and through more recent immigration and business connections). The challenge for now is to remain committed to this unifying orientation for future Games Teams. The groundwork has been laid and the challenge before us is to grow and develop this orientation, and seek the desired benefits both in terms of results (task) and social (people) processes. For us as the Mental Skills Trainer/Sport Psychologist, the philosophy is very compatible with support and with the challenges of performance, and our involvement with the vision in proactive ways has paid a substantial dividend within the Games context itself. The skill needs outlined earlier remain as challenges, but the One Team - One Spirit environment within which these challenges are met is one that assists the work that we do.
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