Solomon Islands National Body Building team are gearing up for the 23rd South Pacific Body Building and Physique championship this weekend.
The country is set to host the elite regional body building championship for the first time.
There are 18 body builders camping at the Honiara Hotel after the conclusion of the Solomon Islands National Body Building championship earlier this month.
National coach Enoch Ilisia said confidence is high in the camp ahead of the Oceania champ.
“Well the boys have been training with their respective clubs before joining the camp.
“They are in good shape after the national championship and confidence is very high in the camp that our boys will win medals in the South Pacific championship this weekend.
“We have some experience body builders who have competed in regional tournaments in the past and we’re banking on those athletes to make us proud as host country,” he said.
After weeks of preparation, the athletes are set to represent the country competing against top body builders from Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Tahiti and Tonga.
Ilisia highlighted the advantage as our athletes have as the host country.
“I think because we are the hosts, it gives a little bit motivation and boosts our athlete’s moral.
“Likely half of the team are capable of winning medals this weekend,” Ilisia added.
He insisted Solomon Islands strength is in the lower categories where PNG could be the real challenger.
Solomon Islands National Body Building Federation, President Pius Maemae said it’s a historic feet as hosts of the South Pacific championship.
“We’re proud to play host for the first time of the South Pacific championship.
“Body building is a newly introduced sport in the country which continues to gain popularity not for its name but for the success it brings to the nation at regional championships,” he said.
The South Pacific Bodybuilding championship is set to run from 27-28th at the Multi Purpose Hall.
Meanwhile, Team New Caledonia and PNG are expected to arrive in the country today.
Team Solomon:
Kelesi Tome, John Ben Magi (Junior)
Amos Sui Senior (Masters)
Amos Sui Junior, Jeffery Hou (-65kg)
Rocky Teklem, Festus Vana (-70kg)
Peter Molemae, Denis Sala (-75kg)
Harry Ramo, Barnabas Waqa (-80kg)
Robert Wale Jr, John Ima (-85kg)
Shalvin Kali, Dang Lem Sere (-90kg)
Brian Jimmy Wadili (-100kg)
Jeffry Hou, Tome Kelesi (Physique -175cm)
Moffat Mona, Mustafa Cliff (Physique -180cm)
By SIMON ABANA
