Weightlifter Sam Pera Junior has been named the Cook Islands Junior Sportsman of the Year for 2005.
Mr Pera Jr, who will compete in the 94kg class in Melbourne, picked up three silver medals at the South Pacific Mini-Games in Palau to help the Cook Islands to the most successful medal haul in the Games history.
His father, Sam Pera Senior, also picked up three silvers, and will head to Melbourne alongside his son to take part in the 105kg class.
Mr Pera Sr has made strong appearances for the Cook Islands in Weightlifting at the Manchester Commonwealth Games and the Athens Olympics.
He is currently in Samoa training for the Games, while his son will continue to train at home.
Among the other Sportsman of the Year winners, Tony Hole, who will travel to Melbourne as a referee for the Weightlifting, was named Sports Technical Official of the Year.
The Weightlifting competition at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games will take place from 16-24 March at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
Last Modified on 24/01/2006 16:15