Niue team heading to Pacific Games officially named
Photo credits: Athletics New Zealand
After much anticipation, the Niue Island Sports and Commonwealth Games Association (NISCGA) were able to officially announce Team Niue heading into the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands next month.
Chef de Mission is Sidney Lui, Assistant Chef de Mission is Tony Edwards, President is Maru Talagi and Support Staff include Andy Manu and Harry Oge.
Six sports codes will be representing Niue at the Pacific Games including Netball, Weightlifting, Powerlifting, Mens Touch Rugby and Womens Touch team, majority from New Zealand and Australia.
There are five in the Boxing team including three boxers and two officials. This includes first-ever commonwealth games medallist for Niue Duken Tutakitoa Williams who will be returning to the international stage in hopes to qualify for the Olympic Games in 2024.
In the weightlifting squad, two are competing and two officials.
The Powerlifting squad includes two lifters and two officials.
The mens touch rugby team include 14 players and 4 officials. And the womens touch squad includes 15 players and 3 officials.
The team also includes guests who will be travelling to the Games with the team.
In a RNZ Pacific news article, Chef de Mission Sidney Lui thanked the Niue government, Minister of Sports and families for the support.
“The athletes and officials are confirmed eligible to represent Niue at the Pacific Games 2023, having met all eligibility criteria of the Pacific Games Charters”, says Sidney.
The 17th Pacific Games will be taking place in Honiara, Solomon Islands from the 19th of November next month to the 2nd of December 2023. TV Niue will be providing live coverage of the Pacific Games on Pasifika TV channel 3.
There will be 5,000 participants (including athletes, technical officials and support staff) from 24 Countries who will compete in 24 sports at the Games.
This will mark the second time in the history of Solomon Islands to host the Games, with its first experience in 1981 hosting the Mini Pacific Games.
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Niue Pacific Games squad (List of names according to RNZ)
BOXING – Duken Williams, De Niro Pao, Keanu Naden, Manager – Quinn-Tina Schmidt, Coach – Devon Latoa;
NETBALL – Leilani Lui-Ikiua, Rosena Charina Jackson, Francine Falaniua Morris, Jazelle Dilworth, Jenessa Noble, Rosalina Holamotu Tausi, Tiana Ikinofo, Florence Ngan Woo, Khalais Tanevesi, Shakayah Tanevesi, Kiana Kifoto Jackson, Riley Nothdurft, Asst. Manager – Solomona Helagi, Coach – Michelle Dufty, Asst. Manager – Ane Holamotu, Manager – Malama Rex Helagi;
WEIGHTLIFTING – Ramsi Edwards, Callum Makatoa, Manager – Clarence Tong, Coach – Tony Edwards;
POWERLIFTING – Maxine Edwards, Samuel Singh, Manager – Helena Banaba. Coach – Ramsi Edwards;
TOUCH RUGBY (MEN) -Troy Harrison, Tana Love-Hepi, Patrick Moore-Lam, Ngakau Perry, Nathaniel Manase, Torynn Atamu, Joel Stowers, Taimana Simi, Riwhi Rex-George, Honour Silimaka, Jeremiah Makavilitogia, Joshua Scully, Tyrese Coromandel, Heaven Silimaka, Coach – Jason Silimaka, Asst. Coach – Quincy Ikifana, Physio – Tamar Emerym Manager – Josilina Silimaka;
TOUCH (WOMEN) – Brytten Reynolds, Lisa Vaimalu, Mariko Viliko Edwards, Quilaine Papua, Sheeniell Viliko, Teri King, Turiti Galiki, Harmony Perry, Truniqua Silimaka, Tracey Palupe, Peyton Holamotu, Xanthe Vaimalu, Jaimee Holamotutama, Brooke Holamotutama, Coach – Alec Palupe, Asst. Coach – Bronson Edwards, Manager – Zelda Nicoll;
GUESTS – Alamein Ngan Woo, Elijah Ngan Woo, Emily Tutaki, Graham Swan, Joanne Falaniua, Kappy Ngan Woo, Luca Rex-Helagi, Manu Tilialo, Molina Tausi and Noah Nothdurft.
