TEAM Fiji is ready to meet the region’s fastest, boldest, bravest and toughest when the Pacific Mini Games starts today in Koror, Palau.
The second and final batch of national athletes departed Nadi International Airport last night on a chartered flight set for the island nation.
The first batch left on Friday.
Anushil Kumar, Team Fiji general manager, stated while there were challenges faced, determination prevailed.
“Of course, everywhere there’s ups and downs, but challenges come with absolute determination,” Kumar told The Fiji Times before leaving for the flight.
Meanwhile, the national contingent in Palau for the Mini Games has a large representation of younger athletes and he explained it was in line with the 50% youth component set in place by the Pacific Games Council.
“A lot of the Team Fiji contingent is a youthful side, so this will be a very good platform for them to get international exposure and just get their pathway towards a career in whatever field they wish to take,” he explained.
With that in mind, he says a key expectation for them was to do their best, play with pride and bring back the glory in the midst of all the excitement.
As they take to the field for the opening ceremony today, it will also be their first assignment as a representative of Fiji on a dynamic stage such as the Games.
Kumar acknowledged this, adding the team’s officials would do the best they can to ensure they were well taken care of.
“Some of them are going out of the country for the first time, so giving them assurance, nothing to worry about,” he said.
“We, as officials, are there to support them as much as we can, all they need to do is to give their 101% in the field.”
Meanwhile, the opening ceremony will take place at 9pm and the Games will end on July 9.
