Second FSM Games Begins in Kosrae

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Second FSM Games Begins in Kosrae

TOFOL, Kosrae (FSM Information Service): July 17, 1997 –
Medals were awarded in the second day of the Second Federated States
of Micronesia Games as seven runners from three states–Yap didn’t
compete, took to the Tofol Sports Complex track to run the 10,000
meter run, according to a release from the media sub-committee

With clear, sunny skies late in the afternoon, veteran middle
distance runner Rendy Germinaro from Pohnpei took the Gold medal with
an easy 39.32:40 win to capture the first medal event of the Games in
front of an estimated 1000 cheering spectators.

“Elias (Rodriguez, middle distance coach) told me to layback with
the pack, watch, then go,” said Germinaro, who took a bronze medal in
the same event at the 1997 Oceania Track and Field Championship in
Townsville, Australia. “I look forward to the Micronesia Games and
the (South Pacific Games).”

Germinaro also competed in the 1994 Micronesian Games on Guam and
the First FSM Games in Pohnpei two years ago.

The pony-tailed Germinaro held back with the pack until the eighth
lap when he sped past Chuuk’s Benedict Haser on the first turn to
capture the lead for good. Following Germinaro was the Chuuk tandem
of Tia Estos (40.58:20) and Haser (42.08:40) who took silver and
bronze medals respectively.

Other actions heats up

In one of the nation’s favorite sports, basketball, the Kosrae Gym
was filled to capacity as Pohnpei handily defeated Chuuk, 53-37.

In other events held yesterday (July 16), Pohnpei women slow-pitch
softball team shutout Yap, 45-0, the first shutout in Games’ history.
Despite the score, Yap played until the 10-run mercy rule was
enforced in the fifth inning. In another 10-run rule game, women from
the Island of the Sleeping Lady beat Chuuk, 11-1.

In one of the faster sports, men’s fast-pitch softball, Kosrae
slammed Chuuk, 15-2, in the first game. As of the press time, Pohnpei
and Yap were knotted at nil.

In men’s singles lawn tennis, Pohnpei’s Simao Ieshi outlasted
Chuuk’s Roger Mori, 6-2, 6-2, in a hard fought match under the
mid-morning sun. Kosrae’s Arthy Nena defeated Rufus Yaisolut, 6-1,
6-1. Women tennis action was postponed due to early morning rain.

In table tennis, Kosrae swept the first day of men’s and women’s
competition against Yap. A trio of women-Lelean Skilling, Martha
Thomson and Arlinda Robert–nearly swept in straight sets; Robert won
the third set, 22-20, to seal the sweep.

Kosrae’s best men’s table tennis player, Tony Sigrah, led the
charge against Yap with 2-1 set victory. Kilion Isisaki and Alokoa
Sigrah took straight sets, 2-0.

A host of events on tap for today

On tap for today (July 17) are a host of events, including the
first day of medal competition for men and women swimmers, who will
compete in the newly constructed Olympic-size saltwater swimming
pool, the only one of its type in the FSM. Finals will be held in the
400m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, 50m backstroke, 100m freestyle,
100m butterfly, and 4 x 5 medley relay.

Track athletes will test their mettle in the six events; women’s
100m (first heat), long jump finals, and 400m (first heat; the men
will do battle in the 100m (first heat), discuss finals and 400m
(first heat).

Volleyball’s first day of action at the Kosrae Gym will see Yap
vs. Chuuk and Kosrae vs. Pohnpei. Baseball will also take to the
field in its first day as Kosrae takes on Pohnpei.

Lawn and table tennis athletes will head into their second round.