TE RUNGA Athletics.
As in previous versions of Te Runga since 2002, funding for the multi-sport Games (e.g. by facilitating the transport of teams from outer islands to the capital island of Tarawa) was provided from central Government via the Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs (MISA). The overarching organisation was undertaken by the Kiribati Sport Authority (KSA), based in MISA.
However the organisation of the separate sports events was left to the various National Federations (NFs). In the case of KAA and in the absence overseas of the KAA Vice-President, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary, this responsibility devolved onto Mr. Tonobwa Kaoten, a member of the KAA Executive Committee. He gladly assumed this role and soon had details of the available budget and proposed programme. Subsequently those athletes and Team Managers from the visiting islands intending to participate in Athletics were briefed about the schedule of events.
Overall, 12 mens' and 6 womens' island teams participated. Entries were accepted from one athlete (or one Relay team) per island per event.
The Competition.
On Friday, September 27 an early start was made for the M L-D Road Race over approx. 5 km. of the main Causeway. Later in the morning the W3000m. was held at the National Stadium, the venue for all other events. Simultaneous with that there were competitions in Long Jump and Discus.
The next day, Saturday September 28, all the other track and field events were staged. The list of results shows the leading performances in each event plus the athletes' teams. It is apparent that the leading teams were from Maiana and the two Tarawa-based teams (TUC and BTC). Naturally the majority of the events were won by international athletes, e.g. Raobu, Boitu and Kaingaue. However it is encouraging that there were several new faces, e.g. Tio, Maua and Eita.
There was no High Jump competition because no usable bar was available at the time.
There was no Javelin competition because it was considered that most islanders would not have the necessary experience to make such a competition fair.
Images.
The images show (i) a previous Runga Opening Ceremony; (ii) Kaingaue at training; (iii) Raobu in action.
Last Modified on 08/10/2013 23:18