From Fiji Times Online (11 June 2011)

Test for debutants at national lift meet

by Emoni Narawa

ROTUMAN boys Sopapelu Pene Olsen and Sydney Managreve will make their weightlifting debut at the National Championships today.

The lifters have been practising the sport for some time and will be out to impress the national selectors at the Hyundai Fitness Centre.

Olsen, 15, and Managreeve, 20, face stiff competition from Peniasi Taqua, Pauliasi Loco and Tikodelaimakotu Fuluna.

National coach Joe Vueti will feature for Suva with New Caledonia-bound Maria Liku and Apolonia Vaivai.

Weightlifting Fiji assistant secretary Lillian Amasa said the championships would be a test for elite lifters in the Pacific Games squad.

"We expect the lifters to perform and produce results and achieve their personal bests. This will be the first competition for the boys from Rotuma Sopapelu and Sydney," Amasa said.

"This will be a good test for our lifters especially those who are preparing for the Pacific Games," she said.

More than 33 participants are expected. Levuka have confirmed 19, Suva, 10, Nausori 2 and Rotuma 2.

Amasa urged the public to come out in numbers and support their lifters as they build up to the Pacific Games in New Caledonia next August.

Amasa thanked Patterson Brothers Shipping Co Ltd, Venu Haulage, JR White, FASANOC, ONOC, Ministry of Youth and Sports for their continuous support to the sport.

Meanwhile, Amasa said Fiji's top lifter Manueli Tulo continues his top form at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute under the watchful eyes of Paul Coffa.