CIRCUITOUS ROUTE !
We would normally travel to Saipan via Majuro and Guam, as in recent years. But currently airline access to Majuro is uncertain, and then there is the added cost of getting stop-over accommodation and food, plus the USD 100 each for US visas in Majuro.
To save all this uncertainty and expense, it was agreed by OAA to route the team via Fiji and Seoul to reach Saipan without touching Guam. On this route, no advance visas are required.
PROs and CONs.
As spelt out above, there are benefits from this arrangement. Another is the fact that the team will arrive together with time to recover from the journey and the opportunity to compete in the Grand Prix Meetings. The only drawback we can see (and not avoid) is our official G.P. competitor arriving at about 1.00 a.m. on the morning of the first G.P. Meeting. The demands of this routing are such that this disadvantage seems to be unavoidable.
GRATEFUL TO O.A.A.
As on many occasions in the past, we are very grateful to Yvonne Mullins and O.A.A. for agreeing to this arrangement. We hope the team can repay the effort and generosity with excellent performances.
OUR SELECTION.
The following list shows the Kiribati team as entered and a few reserves.
Ms. Kaitinano Mwemweata. Heptathlon and 400H Born 1984.
Rabangaki Nawai. Octathlon, 4 x 100m. (200m. on Day 3 ?) Born 1985.
David Peter Birati. High Jump, Triple Jump, Long Jump. Born 1990.
Raobu Tarawa. Shot, Discus, and Javelin. Born 1990.
Beteru Ateri. 110H, 400H, 4 x 100m. (res) (Maybe HJ ?) Born 1986.
Tearoba Takeruru. 200m., 400m., 4 x 100m. Born 1986
Tanroo Taniera. 100m., 200m., 4 x 100m. Born 1990.
(Under-18) Kiakia Tekambwa. 400m., 800m., 4 x 100m. (Maybe 1500m. ?) Born 1991.
Reserves.
Itinikaeti Tekeraoi. Discus, Shot. Born 1990.
Boitu Baiteke. Triple Jump, Long Jump. Born 1990.
Baiteke Ibeatu. 100m., 200m., 4 x 100m. Born 1987.
Current Trend.
As we are beginning to experience, we have a maturing (not ageing !!) team ! Of the eight in the main team, only two will return to school studies. This is a major and progressing change and the product of ten years of training and preparation for this more onward-going and mature attitude to the sport. For example, Kaitinano is performing better now than she was when setting National Records four years ago !
New Internationals.
Although we are entering only one athlete for the under-18 competition, the developmental theme still exists in KAA !! This is evidenced by three of the main team and two of the reserves being new internationals, all needing their first passports !
Last Modified on 25/05/2008 17:36