Pacific Games kicks off today

More than 4,000 athletes and officials from 22 nations will be on center stage today, as they participate in the opening ceremonies for the 2011 Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia.

Joining delegates from Pacific nations in the opening rites of the quadrennial meet is French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is also expected to talk to local political leaders after violence hit one of the islands in the territory early this month. A local newspaper in New Caledonia reported on Aug. 6 that airfare hikes triggered major clashes on the island of Mare, leaving four people dead and more than 20 others wounded.

Amid the unrest and clamor for more autonomy for New Caledonia from France, local officials assured the Games will not be disturbed and security will be tight.

Today’s opening ceremony will start at 5pm at the Stade Numa Daly in Noumea, the heart of the Games. Eleven other cities will host competitions in the Games and none will take place in Mare, which is a bit far from Noumea, but near the two other venues—Lifou and Ouvea. Lifoi will host the football and volleyball competitions, while swimming and beach volleyball will take place in Ouvea.

The opening ceremonies will kick off with the traditional parade of participating nations, including the CNMI. The Commonwealth has 32 delegates in the games, but only baseball players, golfers, beach volleyball bets, and NMASA president Michael White will be present at the opening rites.

The CNMI Baseball Team—composed of Joshua Jones, Juan Maratita, Eric Tenorio, Ian Rogolifoi, , Keoni Lizama, Mike Iguel, Vince Cepeda, Elton Santos, Jesus Iguel, Tyrone Omar, Franco Flores, Thomas Joab, Jerome Delos Santos, Byron Kaipat, Manny Sablan, and Craig Sanchez with manager Tony Rogoligoi and Saipan Major League Baseball’s Rose Igitol—were the first ones to arrive in New Caledonia on Tuesday, four days before opening ceremonies kick off.

Beach volleyball’s Tyce Mister and Chris Nelson left last Thursday and made it to Noumea yesterday, while White left Saipan last Wednesday. Golfers Jess Wabol, Jess Taylor, Adam Hardwicke, and Tony Satur left early yesterday morning and are expected to be in New Caledonia after lunch. Trevor Ogumoro, Rachel Abrams, and Douglas Dillay will not make it to the opening, as they will only leave Saipan tomorrow.

Twenty-eight sports will be contested in the 15-day competition and the CNMI’s bets in golf and baseball are hoping to make it to the medal podium, while beach volleyball and athletics are aiming for a strong showing.

“We want them to do their best, and to bring credit to themselves, their families, and the CNMI,” White said.