Since Monday 9 – Friday 13 September, juniors from Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands have joined the intermediate school players from New Zealand in the badminton competition while competing in the Anchor AIMS Games in Tauranga, New Zealand.
The event gives 11-13 year olds an opportunity to compete as an individual or in a team against the best of their age in 23 different sports.
The week-long festival of sport concluded today with the play-offs in the Boy’s and Girl’s Doubles (divisions 1-6), with some of the Pacific players bringing home the medals.
Girl’s Doubles Division 1 Finalists
- Tereapii Akavi/Tehani Matapo (COK) – (also beat the number one seeds 31-28 in the Semi-Final)
“I feel proud and happy for winning silver”, says Tereapii
“I’m so overwhelmed that I win a silver medal i can’t believe it”, says Tehani
Boy’s Doubles Division 1 Quarter-Finalists
- Elaipo Eliapo and Sam Samuelu (SAM)
- ‘Ofa ‘Anau/Latu Mafi (TGA)
Girl’s Doubles Division 2 Winners
- Josephine Kureta/Loureina Kureta (COK)
“So happy especially as I was playing with my aunty”, says Loureina
“I was so surprised to do so well and I’m so proud”, says Joesphine
Boy’s Doubles Division 2 Winners
- Sione Finau and Sione Pulu (TGA)
Boy’s Doubles Division 2 Semi-Finalists
- Agataoto Junior Esera (SAM) and Te Pa Kelly (COK)
Girl’s Doubles Division 3 Winners
- Mieka Miller (NZL)/Chiann Naslund (COK)
Boy’s Doubles Division 3 Semi-Finalists
- James Haunga/Samisoni Ma (TGA)
Boy’s Doubles Division 3 Finalists
- Leonidas Ieremia/Mautofu Sooaemalelagi (SAM)
Boy’s Doubles Division 4 Winners
- Kaiyin Mataio/Vakatini Setephano (COK)
Boy’s Doubles Division 4 Finalists
- Aiafi Ikana/Tuifiti Charles Faletui Kerslake (SAM)
Cook Islands Umpire in training at the Anchor AIMS Games
Meanwhile, the youngsters have also been practising their umpire skills as they take part in the Oceania Junior Pacific Umpire Programme.
All results from the competition are available to view on Tournament Software.
