By Matai Akauola in London
03 AUGUST 2012 LONDON (PACNEWS) ----- Team Palau is staying true to the London Olympics theme ‘Inspire a Generation’ as they look to their three 16-year-olds for experiences of their lives.
“You know we have a very young team and they are once competing in the next couple of days, their coaches have been maintaining their focus,” said Baklai Temengil Secretary General of Palau National Olympic Committee.
“It’s really important for our young athletes in the Pacific because it’s a bit overwhelming in London, the weather is a bit different and its quiet far away and they have been away from home for over a month.”
The three young athletes are Rodman Teltull who will compete in the track event for men’s 100m heats on Saturday, Ruby Joy Gabriel in the women’s 100m sprint and 50metre freestyle swimmer Keesha Melareng Keane.
“It’s great that many of the Pacific athletes have been supporting each other, I think the kids are ready for their competition.”
Palau has five athletes and two have already competed. Weightlifter Stevick Patris recorded a personal best and first time Olympian and judoka Jennifer Louise Anson is delighted with her competition although she did not go past the first hurdle.
“It was an experience of a lifetime,” said Anson.
“Going back to Palau and continuing with judo to help develop the sport.”…PACNEWS (PINA)
PACNEWS coverage is made possible with funding from Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Youth & Sports ‘Promoting Healthy Islands Through Sport’ (HITS) and Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC).
Last Modified on 09/08/2012 18:05