National swimming representatives for the Pacific Mini Games took to the water competitively in Suva one last time yesterday for the Fiji Aquatics Age Group Nationals ahead of the regional meet in Palau at the end of this month.
The national reps such as Hansel McCaig, Imelda Smith, Marseleima Moss and Livai Raviko were among some of the swimmers who took part for their respective clubs.
The competition was a two-day meet that ended yesterday and took place at the Damodar City National Aquatic Centre.
Head coach for the national swim team to the Games, Willie Elaisa remarked on the agility shown by the swimmers at the meet.
“This is our last meet before we go so with most of our swimmers swimming their fastest here, I’m happy to see that so now we just have a few weeks to fine tune before we leave,” Elaisa shared.
As anticipation mounts for their national assignment in Palau, he added how the team would face their competitors in the water.
“I think we just have to focus on what you know, what we want to achieve and they just focus on each individual race. And I know they’ll do well,” he mentioned.
Taking across a team of 16 swimmers and two reserves is no easy feat and the head coach acknowledged the backing of various stakeholders for assisting, especially in the payment of levies.
“Well, I think a big thank you has to go out to our national federation.
“I know they said we were the first team to get our levies paid; I think the big bulk of our levies, so it was easier for us to just focus on the swimming,” he acknowledged.
The Mini Games will take place from June 29 to July 9 in Koror, Palau.
Meanwhile, Team Fiji’s assembly will be held in Suva on Saturday before the first wave of athletes depart on June 27.
Team Fiji’s swim team to the Mini Games: Vivita Bai, Thaddeus Kwong, Theola Kwong, Hansel McCaig, Kelera Mudunasoko, Livai Raviko, Jeremiah Rova, Charlina Simpson, Imelda Smith, Reuben Taylor, Jonalese Vatubua, Patricia Verebasaga, Samuel Yalimaiwai, David ‘Tolu’ Young, Don Younger. Reserves: Tilden Samuelu, Manawanui Thoms.
Team manager: Cheyenne Rova, Head Coaches: Sharon Smith, Willie Elaisa.
