Training squad chosen for Oceania

The Cook Islands Amateur Boxing Association (CIABA) has selected a squad of six boxers for an intensive three-week training programme, After this four will be selected for the team to compete in the Oceania boxing championships to be held in Samoa starting 23 April.
Association president Adi Narayan made the announcement after the executive committee considered reports from the selectors who attended the contest at the Banana Court last Tuesday night.
The squad will attend a three-week training camp under National Coach Tevita Vakalalabure to be held at the Cook Islands Football Association’s complex at Matavera. The squad, which is dominated by Pue club members, is;
n Kalepa (Nikao club)
- Super Heavyweight
n Haku Mina Roumano (Pue club) - Super Heavyweight
n Oke Opeta (Pue club)
- Heavyweight
n Ray Roumano (Pue club)
- Middleweight
n John Elisa ((Pue club)
- Welterweight
n Marcus Jack (Avatiu) - Welterweight
Rima George will be closely looked at when the next contest is staged at the Banana Court.
DEVELOP
The committee decided to use the Oceania Championships to develop the young, more inexperienced boxers. But it considers it could have medal prospects in the super heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.
Experienced boxers Vengi Hagai and Eddie Daniel were not considered as they will be training in New Zealand for the South Pacific Games in Samoa in August. They will have opportunities to compete in New Zealand.
Narayan said it will cost around $10,000 to send the team of four and a manager to the Oceania Championships. He acknowledges the valued support of Air New Zealand in assisting the association. During the team’s three - week preparation, Narayan calls on all boxing supporters and former boxers to give the team encouragement and support.
The Oceania boxing annual general meeting is to take place during the championships.
Narayan said he will make a bid for the Cook Islands to host the Oceania championships in 2009 as a way of testing our boxers and facilities for the 2009 Mini Pacific Games here.

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