SNOW REPORT: Pacific Mini Games 2025 – DAY 1 Evening Session
WORDS – BOB SNOW

DAY ONE COMPETITION – PM

The rain kept away, and we could feel the real effects of the humidity – although the clouds kept the temperature lower than it could have been.

It was time for the heats of the Men’s and Women’s 100m. These races brought the crowd to life.

In the Men’s Division there were 35 athletes, and they were divided into 6 different heats. The 18 who qualified for the three semi-finals had many athletes who ran under 11 seconds. The athletes who stood out were Timothy Tuna (PNG – 10.45 seconds), Pais Wisil (PNG – 10.50 seconds), Waisake Tewa (FIJ – 10.55 seconds), Winzar Kakiouea (NRU – 10.78 seconds), Emmanuel Anis (PNG – 10.90 seconds) and Johnny Keys (SAM – 10.91 seconds). With three semi-finals to be run tomorrow, we will soon know who the favourite for the title will be

In the Women’s Division 12 athletes qualified for the semi-finals tomorrow. Those with the most impressive times were Isila Apkup (PNG – 12.08 seconds), Kayedel Smith (AUS – 12.17 seconds), Sera Nasilivata (FIJ – 12.20 seconds), Evelyn John Jimmy (AUS – 12.28 seconds) and Chloe David (VAN – 12.56 seconds). Again – who was giving the heat run 100% effort? We will know tomorrow.

The afternoon session was kept humming along with many field events, some Para events, and the finals of the 4 x 400m events. There were 11 teams entered in the Men’s 4 x 400m, and the two races were run as a timed final. With only 5 entered in the Women’s 4 x 400m, the medals went to the first, second and third across the line. For the Men we will had to run the two races – check the times –  and then give the medals to the teams who ran the fastest three time. We don’t normal have timed finals like this in Pacific Games competition, but it is a good idea. Saves having the runners from doing too much in a short period of time.

The Australian Team really got behind their Long Jumper and Javelin Throwers in their finals. Added much to the atmosphere as the sun slowly set in the sky – with no rain present. They will remember Palau for many years. A reminder that all the Australian Team are U20 athletes, born in 2006. When the Mini Games were last held in Palau, they were one-year of age. Fijian chanting took centre stage as the night closed in. We were definitely in the Pacific.

Medal winners in the field events were –

Men’s Long Jump – Aden McDonald (AUS – 6.90m), David Raibiriki (FIJ – 6.77m) & Piri Nga (COK – 6.65m).

Women’s Javelin – Charlize Goody (AUS – 49.30m), Isabelle Cruickshank (AUS – 46.06m), Loata Lewageena (FIJ – 45.32m).

Women’s Long Jump – Olivia Reed (MHL – 5.14m), Sereana Viriviri (FIJ – 4.79m), Shalinzar Kakiouea (NRU – 4.29m).

There were two Para events today – the ambulant 100m for Women and Men.

Men’s 100m Para Ambulant –

Tom Lulait (T13 NCL – 11.90 seconds – 87.89%)

Junior Dennis (T47 F46 PNG – 12.20 seconds – 85.40%)

Jimi Onitoro (T46 – FIJ – 12.62 seconds – 82.56%)

Women’s 100m Para Ambulant –

Dorna Longbut (T/F 46 PNG – 14.28 seconds – 83.26%)

Manega Tapari (T47 F46 – PNG – 14.90 seconds – 79.79%)

Marcelline Moli (T/F 46 – VAN – 18.42 seconds – 78.37%).

The Heptathlon for Women and the Octathlon for Men reached the half-way point today.

After the first four events in the Octathlon, the leader was Waisele Inoke (FIJ – 2977 points) from Karo Iga (PNG – 2723 points) and Jonah Harris (NRU – 2343 points).

After the first four events in the Heptathlon, the leader was Reki Roberts (FIJ – 2389 points), from Manatu Hafoka (TGA – 2087 points) and Raylene Kanam (PNG – 2045 points).

The Day finished with the excitement of the 4 x 400m Relays.

The Women’s race was a closely fought struggle with Fiji emerging the winner in the time of 3:51.88 from Papua New Guinea who recorded the time of 3:53.94. In third place was French Polynesia – 4:03.18.

The Men’s event was run as two races, and it was a timed final. PNG emerged as the winner in 3:15.42 from Fiji (3:17.78) and Solomon Islands (3:20.78).

It was a rousing finish to a fine day on the field and on the track.

With all the events held today, there was not one wind reading that was above +2.0mps.  A rarity in the tropics – especially in the rainy period of the year.

Now to get ready for Day Two which promises to be also full of action and excitement.