Mangaia gears up

Water supplies are the main concern for Manea Games organisers on Mangaia who are otherwise making good progress ahead of the games on the outer island in October.

CISNOC sports manager Robert Graham recently visited the island to offer support and check on the progress of the preparations and says that apart from the water issue – the island is ready to host the Manea Games.

Graham says that organisers have reported that they are waiting for funds to purchase new water tanks to supply the 600 plus athletes and officials who will converge on the island for the two-week sports event.

“The organisers want to get water tanks as soon as possible because they say that over the next three months the island could have limited water supply,” says Graham.

Organisers are also planning to purchase a second water purifying system to be installed at the island’s market where the whole island can access clean water.

Mangaia School, where most of the athletes and officials will be housed, has a water purifier which organisers anticipate will be working overtime come October.

He adds that upgrade works on existing sports facilities are near complete.

The Atea rugby field in Oneroa has had extensive work done and will be the main field for sports during the games.

Both hard courts on the island, including one that was built for hosting the first ever Manea Games in 1997, need minor maintenance work including repainting before they will be ready for the netball and tennis tournaments.

Graham is pleased with the progress being made by the 10 national federations in preparing sports schedules for the games.

The logistics of feeding over 600 people a day are also being worked out by catering coordinators while Graham has suggested that transport costs be cut down.

“The organising committee’s transport costs are too high and I’ve suggested that they make people walk because venues and facilities are all within walking distance and those that don’t want to walk can hire vehicles,” says Graham.

Graham expects the games from October 7 to 17 will be the biggest gathering for the Manea Games’ history.