International weightlifting delegate Paul Coffa believes that the Cook Islands should bid for the Commonwealth weightlifting championships.
After looking at the Telecom Sports Arena, Coffa feels that the country can host an international event, and he says that the local association should act now if it wants to.
The next Commonwealth championships are in Malaysia next month, and with South Africa looking to host the 2011 champs, Coffa says 2012 could be a chance.
“The facilities here are first class, I’m really impressed,” says Coffa, who is also the Oceania and Commonwealth weightlifting general secretary.
“But if you want to bid, do it now because no one is going to wait for you.”
The Pacific Mini Games competition got off to a great start with Fijian Manueli Tulo breaking an Oceania and South Pacific record.
Coffa expects a good competition in the men’s division but he is somewhat disappointed with the small numbers in the female categories. Despite this, Coffa says the Opeloge sisters, Mary and Ele are expected to stand out in their weight divisions.
With Nauru’s Yukio Peter in the 85kg category, Coffa says he will bring a touch of international class to these championships. Peter is the top lifter in the Commonwealth and second in the world in his class.
Another Nauru lifter Itte Detenamo is expected to be prominent in the 105kg-plus class, and the duel between Fiji’s Josefa Vueti and Samoa’s Fa’avae Fa’auliuli in the 77kg class should be a good contest.
“I believe that by the end of these championships, there will be some new South Pacific and Oceania records.” - Moana Moekaa: Cook Islands News
Last Modified on 03/10/2009 09:34