Swimming Fiji has started its preparation for the 2019 Pacific Games which will be held in Samoa.
First up will be the 2018 Oceania Swimming Championship in Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea against the top countries in the region.
Team manager Lucy Erasito said there were a number of young swimmers in the team who had a bright future in the sport.
“Fiji will be represented by 22 swimmers for the competition who were selected earlier this month and out of the full squad. Half of them are young swimmers and it is going to be their first time,” Erasito said.
“We’re building up for future competitions. We had a team assembly to prepare them mentally since they are physically prepared for the competition. The swimmers had trained hard for the competition and they will be guided by five coaches on the tour.”
The coaches are; head coach Sharon Pickering-Smith, Rosemary Rova, Marlene Blake, Paula Cokanasiga and Ester Malani.
“The swimmers had undergone medical and fitness test and it was an opportunity for them to get together and discuss the relevant issues,” she said. “We want them to do well in the competition as they have been competing this year and their times have also improved.”
Squad: Male- Bobi Mosese, Netani Ross, Calum Lobendan, Damien Kitiona, Eugene Kado, Hefu Erasito, Kalen Eyre, Tevita Fofoti, Jayzon Requina, Oakley Johns, Hansel Mccaig, Taichi Vakasama, Epeli Rabua (c) Female- Yolani Blake, Jane Smith, Marion Kotobalavu, Ella Rasau, Rokowati Mara, Jodie Puamau, Moana Wind, Rosemarie Rova, Cheyenne Rova (c)
The competition will be held from June 24-29.