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Mum Proud of Her Eileen

Eileen Cikamatana will be Team Fiji’s flag-bearer in the opening ceremony of the Pacific Mini Games on Sunday in Port Vila   Weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana will be Team Fiji’s flagbearer
29 Nov 2017 11:17
Mum Proud of Her Eileen
Eileen with her dad Sevanaia Cikamatana . In the background is the cabinet of medals won so far. Photo: Manhar Lal

Eileen Cikamatana will be Team Fiji’s flag-bearer in the opening ceremony of the Pacific Mini Games on Sunday in Port Vila

 

Weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana will be Team Fiji’s flagbearer at the Pacific Mini Games in  Port Vila, Vanuatu on Sunday.

Her mother, Makitalena Cikamatana said it came as a surprise for them as they initially thought that such honours were given to athletes of more popular sports like rugby and football.

“It came as a surprise, but I’m so proud of her,” Makitalena said.

She was informed of the news by Weightlifting Fiji coach Jo Vueti last Friday.

“He told me they chose her based on her achievements so far this year.”

Eileen becomes the first Fijian to carry the flag twice in a year after also doing the honours during the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Turkmenistan in September.

Makitalena had to make a last minute rush to Suva from Ovalau after learning of the news.

She made the trip yesterday to drop off her 18-year-old daughter’s traditional attire.

Eileen made a surprise visit to Taviya Village in October where they managed to hold a delayed 18th birthday and celebrated her achievements.

“We will meet again after the Commonwealth

Games in April,”Makitalena said,

“She will do Fiji proud, she is a special child.”

Eileen is the current Commonwealth and Oceania Senior and Junior Champion and currently holds a total of 12 Commonwealth and Oceania records across the snatch, Clean and Jerk and Total lifts in the 90Kg weight category.

Weightlifting Fiji section manager Ritesh Ratiram said the gesture indicated that minority sports have promising athletes whose achievements could be matched with those playing in more popular sports.

“This means that minority sports like weightlifting are producing incredible athletes that are very competitive on the international stage,” Ratiram said.

He said Cikamatana’s accomplishments served as an encouragement platform for younger aspiring athletes in Fiji.”

The Fijians are expecting good competition from Samoa, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Kiribati and Nauru.

Weightlifting team: Men: 1. Manueli Tulo – 56kg 2. Poama Qaqa – 62kg 3. Patrick Veidreyaki – 77kg 4. Tevita Tawai – 77kg 5. Taniela Rainibogi – 85kg.

Women: 1. Seruwaia Malani – 48kg 2. Arieta Mudunavoce – 53kg 3. Sofia Kinikinilau – 58kg 4. Maria Mareta – 58kg 5. Maria Liku – 63kg 6. Apolonia Vaivai – 69kg 7. Eileen Cikamatana – 90kg.

Officials: Section manager – Ritesh Ratiram, coach– Joe Vueti, assistant coach– Julia Timi,

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback:  peni.komaisavai@fijisun.com.fj

 

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