FSM Official: Weightlifter Minginfel Has Good Shot In Beijing
(Kaselehlie Press)
A five-member athletic delegation from the Federated States of Micronesia is on its way to the Beijing Olympics, reports the Kaselehlie Press.
FSM Olympic Committee official Jim Tobin said internationally acclaimed FSM weight lifter Manuel Minginfel of Yap is the only FSM athlete to qualify for the Olympic Games through his competitive accomplishments.
Tobin said that no Pacific Islander has ever made it to a final in Olympic competition but that Minginfel just might have a chance in Beijing. Tobin said that he predicts that Minginfel is likely to make it at least to the top 10.
For the FSM competing in the 50-meter freestyle swimming competition will be Gerson Hadley and Debra Daniel. Runners Jack Howard and Maria Ikelap will both run in the 100-meter sprint event at the Olympics.
Tobin said that the International Olympic Committee provided a $75,000 grant that will be used to provide Olympic Games coverage on cable television in the FSM. The games are expected to air for eight hours a day on a new cable channel beginning with the opening ceremonies on the 8th of August.
He said the team is completely outfitted with uniforms from grant money provided by Nike and Samsung.
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