COMPETITIVENESS FIRST ?
When I first came to Kiribati in 1997, I was told that they were not competitive. I have since found that generally this is NOT so ! When I see a footballer desperately sliding for the ball, or a rough challenge in basketball, or a fourth runner in a Relay diving for the line, I know that was wrong information. So what will we see in the first-ever competition entitled the "K.A.A. CHAMPIONSHIPS" ?
Of course it is to be hoped, in all circumstances, that the competitive aspect of the sport does not push the participants beyond what is fair.
The first part of these Championships will be held this evening, at the National Stadium, starting as it cools at about 5.00 pm. The events we hope to complete tonight include W3000, M5000, all Discus, and all LJ.
Tomorrow morning, starting at 0830, we intend to complete the rest of the normal programme, starting with a 60mH.
OLD MEETS NEW IN PART 1.
The fine evening, plentiful officials, and enthusiastic competitors made for a good quality, slick meeting. Better organised than in previous years, some of the results showed the benefit of having good preparations. Following the intended programme, and able to run all the events simultaneously, we took about 75 minutes to complete.
The W3000m. went to "veteran" Banrenga, now in Form 7. But the M5000 went to a "new boy", from the same school, Bakarawa. Similarly in the WDiscus, the winner was another "old girl", Aruea with one fair throw. Second to her was relative newcomer Mareta. The MDiscus featured the re-emergence of Tiim, closely pursued by young Itinikaeti. And the WLJ had Olympian Kaitinano beating new girl Terina. Finally, the MLJ was won by Buraieta, with Athens OYC traveller Taburimai next, and Pune-bound David in third (heading for his first international) !
The jumpers suffered a little, as they might again tomorrow, from the board placement. However, all did their best to use rather than complain about the facility !
SUMMARY OF RESULTS.
W3000. 1. Banrenga Baikia. 13-44.9 2. Taame Noketi. 14-13.3 (3 ran)
M5000. 1. Bakarawa Barekiau. 19-58.9 2. Ngaebi Simon. 20-07.6 (8 started, 5 finished)
WLJ. 1. Kaitinano Mwemweata. 4.17m. 2. Terina Tangitang. 4.12m. (8 jumped)
MLJ. 1. Buraieta Yeeting. 5.82m. 2. Taburimai Tewaaki. 5.44m. 3. David Birati. 5.41m. (9 jumped)
WDiscus. 1. Aruea Kaintikuaba. 27.50m. 2. Mareta Berenato. 24.31m. (8 threw)
MDiscus. 1. Tiim Romatoa. 37.23m. 2. Itinikaeti Tekeraoi. 36.54m. (pb)
3. Raobu Tarawa. 34.67m. (10 threw)
THANKS TO ALL.
Particular thanks to Nei Kaero and Nei Rusila for supervising the registration of athletes and taking care of the finances. In addition to the athletes themselves there was a small crowd of spectators. We hope to have more tomorrow, encouraged by the prospect of seeing much of the current I-Kiribati international talent on view !
Last Modified on 16/05/2008 19:50