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Second FSM Games Begins in Kosrae

TOFOL, Kosrae (FSM Information Service): July 17, 1997 - Medals were awarded in the second day of the Second Federated States of Micronesia Games as seven runners from three states--Yap didn't compete, took to the Tofol Sports Complex track to run the 10,000 meter run, according to a release from the media sub-committee

With clear, sunny skies late in the afternoon, veteran middle distance runner Rendy Germinaro from Pohnpei took the Gold medal with an easy 39.32:40 win to capture the first medal event of the Games in front of an estimated 1000 cheering spectators.

"Elias (Rodriguez, middle distance coach) told me to layback with the pack, watch, then go," said Germinaro, who took a bronze medal in the same event at the 1997 Oceania Track and Field Championship in Townsville, Australia. "I look forward to the Micronesia Games and the (South Pacific Games)."

Germinaro also competed in the 1994 Micronesian Games on Guam and the First FSM Games in Pohnpei two years ago.

The pony-tailed Germinaro held back with the pack until the eighth lap when he sped past Chuuk's Benedict Haser on the first turn to capture the lead for good. Following Germinaro was the Chuuk tandem of Tia Estos (40.58:20) and Haser (42.08:40) who took silver and bronze medals respectively.

Other actions heats up

In one of the nation's favorite sports, basketball, the Kosrae Gym was filled to capacity as Pohnpei handily defeated Chuuk, 53-37.

In other events held yesterday (July 16), Pohnpei women slow-pitch softball team shutout Yap, 45-0, the first shutout in Games' history. Despite the score, Yap played until the 10-run mercy rule was enforced in the fifth inning. In another 10-run rule game, women from the Island of the Sleeping Lady beat Chuuk, 11-1.

In one of the faster sports, men's fast-pitch softball, Kosrae slammed Chuuk, 15-2, in the first game. As of the press time, Pohnpei and Yap were knotted at nil.

In men's singles lawn tennis, Pohnpei's Simao Ieshi outlasted Chuuk's Roger Mori, 6-2, 6-2, in a hard fought match under the mid-morning sun. Kosrae's Arthy Nena defeated Rufus Yaisolut, 6-1, 6-1. Women tennis action was postponed due to early morning rain.

In table tennis, Kosrae swept the first day of men's and women's competition against Yap. A trio of women-Lelean Skilling, Martha Thomson and Arlinda Robert--nearly swept in straight sets; Robert won the third set, 22-20, to seal the sweep.

Kosrae's best men's table tennis player, Tony Sigrah, led the charge against Yap with 2-1 set victory. Kilion Isisaki and Alokoa Sigrah took straight sets, 2-0.

A host of events on tap for today

On tap for today (July 17) are a host of events, including the first day of medal competition for men and women swimmers, who will compete in the newly constructed Olympic-size saltwater swimming pool, the only one of its type in the FSM. Finals will be held in the 400m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, 50m backstroke, 100m freestyle, 100m butterfly, and 4 x 5 medley relay.

Track athletes will test their mettle in the six events; women's 100m (first heat), long jump finals, and 400m (first heat; the men will do battle in the 100m (first heat), discuss finals and 400m (first heat).

Volleyball's first day of action at the Kosrae Gym will see Yap vs. Chuuk and Kosrae vs. Pohnpei. Baseball will also take to the field in its first day as Kosrae takes on Pohnpei.

Lawn and table tennis athletes will head into their second round.