Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

First Medals Won by FSM in South Pacific Games

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): August 27, 1997
– FSM weightlifter Manual Mingifel from Rumung Municipality in the
State of Yap, made history by winning first medals that FSM has ever
won in the South Pacific Games. Minginfel participated in the 54
kilogram weight division in the weightlifting competition and won
three Silver medals, according to FSM Sports Official Jim Tobin.

Long distance runners Elias Rodriquez and Randy Germinaro barely
missed medaling in the 26 mile marathon run finishing 4th and 5th
place. Rodriquez and Germinaro out-ran other runners from Tahiti,
Fiji, American Samoa, and Solomon Islands.

Tobin attended numerous meetings with South Pacific Games Council
and National Olympic Committee which indicates that it looks
favorable that the FSM will become the newest member of the
International Olympic Committee in April, 1998. It was also decided
that Fiji will host the 2003 South Pacific Games.

The Fifth South Pacific Mini-Games in Pago Pago, American Samoa
was concluded on August 21, 1997.