World Triathlon

Triathlon in Oceania has received a boost with the Oceania Triathlon Union Sports Development Program recently conducting an ITU Level 1 Technical Officials Course in the Solomon Islands.

The course was conducted as a two-day workshop and seminar and 15 members of the Triathlon Solomon Islands (TriSI) National Federation attended, including New Zealand expatiates and aunt and uncle of Olympian Kris Gemmell, Jan and Ike Katene. The aim was to help further the knowledge of ITU race competition rules and event management within the region.

“We are very honoured to have a representative of the ITU/OTU in the Solomon Islands to further educate and guide TriSI” said TriSI President, Mr Joe Au Ramosaea. “Having the level one course will continue the development of our events and ensure the safety and fairness of our competitions.”

The course was facilitated and presented by Murray Hilder and included specific details on the latest revision of the 2011 race competition rules and basics of race course design. All participants where invited to present various elements of the responsibly of officials on the field of play and how to improve communication and manage the technical team at events.

“This a major milestone for Triathlon in the Oceania region,” stated Terry Sheldrake, OTU Sports Development Program Co-ordinator and ITiU Executive Board Member.  “Having conducted this and other training programs including coaching courses in Oceania is fantastic for our smaller island nations.”

Whilst TriSI only stage age group competitions of relatively small numbers, course participants were exposed to the latest information associated with draft legal events. Participants finalised their training whilst undertaking duties at the TriSI event at Kakabone Beach, located approximately five kilometres from Honiara.

The course participants were Joe Au Ramosaea, Leban Lokata, Naptaly Walasi, Nathan Thompson Siofa, Saniel Sumalefo, Stanley Ofasisili, Jan Katene, Ike Katene, Robert Tumaha, James Tepuke Baiango, Judy Mangarereke, Ann Marie Vinano, Alphones Wale, Godfrey Eric and Mercy Iilu Nunua.