SEVEN ATHLETES in RAROTONGA.
Kiribati NOC has agreed to fund the participation of seven athletes and two officials in the 8th. Pacific Mini Games, being held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. The seven are:- Ms. Kaitinano Mwemweata, Ms. Ruti Ioneba, Beteru Ateri, George Pine, Raobu Tarawa, Boitu Baiteke, and Derin Pendle. Kaitinano (25) and Beteru (23) are the oldest and most experienced athletes of this group. Ruti (14) is the youngest. The two officials with our team are Simon Burennatu and Tekooki Teieka.
All our athletes are entered for at least two events each. Kaitinano and Boitu will contest LJ and TJ. George is in the HJ and LJ. Raobu will throw Discus, Javelin and Shot. Beteru will do both Hurdles races. Ruti and Derin will race in the 1500m. and 5000m. The target for Boitu, George, and Raobu is "top FIVE", maybe a medal. For the other four, a target of finishing in the "top EIGHT" is attainable but would be an achievement.
FIRST UP.
Remembering that Cook Islands is a day behind Kiribati, the Opening was on Monday, Sept. 21 (local). Competition in (for Kiribati) Athletics, Boxing, Table-Tennis (4 men and 2 women), and Tennis (4 men) will start on "Day 1" (Tuesday). The first athletes on the scene will be Beteru in his Heat of the 110m. Hurdles, followed in the evening by Ruti in the Final of the 5000m. (a new experience for her !)
Athletics and Boxing (5 male boxers) will be finished by the end of Week 1. The fifth sport representing Kiribati is Weight-Lifting. This will all take place in Week 2. There are eight male lifters.
RESULTS UP-DATES.
Athletics results affecting I-Kiribati athletes will be up-dated as soon as published.
Last Modified on 23/09/2009 15:44