Triathlon Team Ready for Pacific Games

Triathlon Solomon Islands team members competing at South Pacific Games are ready to race after receiving their Solomon Islands racing suits and shoes on Friday.

Diane Buaga, Stanley Ofasisili, Willy Bosa and team manager, Maxon Ala, said the special triathlon suits are important because athletes wear the same clothing for the whole race which involves swimming, riding and running.

In addition to the clothing, Triathlon's first female international representative, Diane Buaga, was presented with a new racing bicycle after her last bicycle was destroyed when she was hit by a taxi a few weeks ago. The clothing and equipment are part of ANZ Solomon Islands support for Triathlon Solomon Islands team competing in Samoa.

Team manager and competitor, Maxon Ala, said the new clothing and equipment in national colours will help the team perform the best they can for Solomon Islands.
ANZ General Manager, Tait Jenkins, said he thought the team looked fantastic in their new outfits and should be proud of the hard work they have done to get into the team.

"On behalf of ANZ, who is principal sponsor of this year's South Pacific Games, I wish you all the best and hope that you can do your best at the Games," Mr Jenkins said. "I'd also like to note the courage of Diane to be back training so soon after being hit by a taxi. This is the kind of spirit that ANZ supports and we are happy to be able to present a new bicycle to help you on your way to Samoa," he said.

The team expect to face strong competition from New Caledonia, who performed strongly in the previous Games, but they hope to improve on their places this time.
Triathlon President, Ross Andrewartha, said he felt very proud of the team who had put a lot of time into training and improving themselves - and the support they received from the other Triathlon team members.

"These young women and men have been training almost every day for almost six months. Their speed and technique have improved as a result and I know they are ready to do the best they can," Mr Andrewartha said.

Mr Andrewartha thanked ANZ on behalf of the Triathlon team for all their support in getting the team to the Games. "ANZ has been supporting the Triathlon team throughout the three selection races and now this top quality race gear will give them an even better chance at winning and this new equipment will boost the team's confidence which can only help their performance on race day."