Marshall Islands

MINOC UPDATE The continued success enjoyed by the National Olympic Committee (MINOC), its National Federations and, most importantly, its athletes would not be possible without the many opportunities afforded by IOC, ANOC, Olympic Solidarity, ONOC and the International and Continental sport federations. MINOC President Kenneth Kramer, Secretary General Terry Sasser and the MINOC Executive Board wish to express their sincere gratitude to each of these orga- nizations and especially the Marshall Islands National Government for their continued support. these to the organizing committee and chose represented the Marshall Islands at the 2nd (CC&O) courses. In June, Amy was invited the design for the team and marching uniforms. Youth in Nanjing, China in to attend Olympic Solidarity’s Advanced Sport 2014 saw several of MINOC’s strategic priorities for August. Runner Eve Burns, swimmer Troy Management Course (ASMC) Director Training this quadrennial beginning to come to fruition. Our MIBF’s focus on coach certification and talent Kojenlang and wrestler Kaiser Muller were in Lausanne and is now certified as a Managing goal to make better use of Olympic Solidarity programs identification proved successful as men and awarded universality places, while female Olympic Sport Organizations (MOSO) Course continues to improve as MINOC and its NFs expand women’s teams played remarkably wrestler Ilania Keju qualified for her place with facilitator. Marshall Islands will hold its first their application and implementation of Olympic Sol- well, taking out some of the top teams to both her Championships gold medal. Ilania national MOSO course in 2015. In September, idarity programs to support their initiatives. Our goal earn silver medals. The men and women’s soft- won her match with Cote d’Ivoire, and had a MINOC employed Kevin Harkey as its full-time to have representation on the boards of continental ball teams also brought home precious metals. strong showing against Ecuador for her 6th MISEP Coordinator. Since his hire, the MISEP associations was achieved when Marshall Islands Bas- The women’s team, previous recipients of the place finish in the 70kg category. Troy finished Team successfully delivered two SiC courses ketball Federation (MIBF) Secretary General Deborah Olympic Solidarity Team Support grant and led first in his heat in the men’s 50m freestyle and two CC&O courses before the end of 2014. Shoniber was elected to the FIBA Oceania board and by pitcher Alysia Maddison, took gold, while swim. Administratively, YOG presented a great One of the primary functions of MISEP is to the FIBA Central Board, Marshall Islands the men’s team won a hard-fought silver medal opportunity to further train MINOC office staff, develop NF training workshops targeting the Federation (MIVF) Vice-President Terry Sasser in a highly competitive tournament. Lawn as well as network with the Olympic Family administrative skills and good governance was elected as a Vice-President for Oceania Zonal tennis and teams each secured during the Games. All four athletes enjoyed an necessary to maximize the potential of Olympic Volleyball Association (OZVA) and the Asian Volleyball bronze medals. unforgettable experience as Nanjing delivered a Solidarity programs for the delivery of their Confederation (AVC) executive board, and MINOC world-class event. sport nationally. Having athletes as young as 14 years old Executive Board Member Tony Muller was elected to producing medals, the swim team’s high medal the board of the Oceania Continental Handball Fed- count (34 total) brought Team Marshall Islands MISEP ATHLETICS eration. MINOC’s goal to host a regional competition surging to the top of the Micronesian Games 2014 was a big year for the Marshall Islands Marshall Islands Athletics Federation (MIAF) was met when Marshalls Federation was standings. The weightlifting team collected a Sport Education Program (MISEP), Marshall jump-started the year with trainings and try- awarded the bid to host the 2015 Oceania Wrestling total of 30 medals and the highest gold medal Islands’ chapter of the Oceania Sport Education outs for the Micronesian Games in . Championships. count for Marshall Islands at 23 gold medals. Program (OSEP). In March, MINOC Admin- MIAF’s team of eight males and six females, At the conclusion of the weightlifting competi- istrator and MEMOS graduate Amy Sasser led by coaches Edison Mathusla and Carlon 8TH MICRONESIAN GAMES tion, Marshall Islands was in first place for gold attended the OSEP Master Educator Training at Zedkaia, achieved three bronze medals and one The 2014 8th Micronesian Games held in Pohnpei, and total medals tally. Sonaisali Resort in Fiji where she earned her silver medal. Olympian Roman Cress secured FSM was an epic event for the Marshall Islands as certification as an OSEP Master Educator (ME). the silver medal in the 200-meter race. This Team MHL obtained 34 gold medals, 23 silver medals, The great support from the H.E. President As a continuation of her ME training, and on Micronesian Games was extra special for the and 33 bronze medals, for a total of 90 medals - its Christopher Loeak, Hon. Minister of Sport a pathway to attain certification as an OSEP veteran runner as he was joined by his 16 year best ever medal tally in the Micronesian Games. All the David Kabua, High King and Senator Jurelang Mentor, Amy served as course coordinator, old daughter, Mariana Cress, who achieved training and education led to very organized delegation Zedkaia, the Marshall Islands National Govern- ME and co-facilitator for the North Pacific bronze in the 100 meter and 200 meter races administration by the MINOC office staff. MINOC ment, communities and sponsors made the 8th OSEP Educator Training Course in and also achieved bronze in the women’s 4x100 Executive Board member Deborah Shoniber served Micronesian Games a very proud moment for in April. Three MEs, six ORADO Play True meter relay with teammates Hemrita deBrum, as Marshall Islands’ Chef de Mission for the Games. Marshall Islands. Pacific Educators and eight OSEP Educators Mattie Sasser and Ilania Keju. Marshall Islands Athletes’ Commission served a vital (including current MISEP Team: Kevin Harkey, In February, MIAF organized the Day role in preparation for the Micro Games; their repre- YOG Kalani Nii and Dimitrius Tarkwon from Marshall Track & Field for the Majuro Day 2014 celebra- sentatives attended every organizational meeting where A delegation, led by MINOC President Kenneth Islands) were certified during the course to tions. In partnership with various government they voiced the concerns of the athletes, forwarded Kramer and Chef de Mission Tony Muller, deliver Sport in Community Administrator (SiC) and Community Coach and Official and non-government organizations, 5K Run/

Annual Report 2014 Walks were planned for Education Week in Games in Pohnpei in July — both teams were petitions, MIBF is working with FIBA Oceania players returned to their village and club Federation organizing the first annual Coach’s Clinic in Guam in September. He also February, International Women’s Day in March, led by coaches who completed the first ever and MINOC to hire MISEP graduate Rickiano teams, raised the technical and physical play Jeimata Kabua Memorial Tournament, which completed the Red Cross Lifeguard four-week RMI for Climate Change Action in September, “Level Two” coaching training in Antibas as a full-time National Basketball at the grassroots level. On her second stint will begin early in 2015. course and now is a certified Lifeguard. In Breast Cancer awareness and World Food Day conducted by FIBA Expert Instructor and former Development Officer (NBDO) early in 2015. in the Micronesian Games, Hawai’i Pacific November, Amy LaCost attended the FINA Gold in October and President’s Day in November. NBA coach Tom Newell. MIBF has prioritized how to best maximize the University (HPU) pitcher Alysia Maddison led Medal Swimming Coaches Clinic and earned These were successful events with good partic- use of FIBA Oceania funding and programs in Marshall Islands Women’s Softball Team to the her certificate. In December, Coach Hebert ipation and an emphasis on healthy lifestyles The first “Say No to Non-Communicable Dis- conjunction with Olympic Solidarity programs. gold medal. Prior to her success in this year’s Alfred attended the FINA Youth Clinic as the and NCD awareness. eases (NCDs) Veterans 3x3” competition was Micronesian Games she was named to the Youth Coach, while swimmers Dash Alfred and held from October-November with sponsorship HANDBALL All-PacWest First Team. Maddison returned to Colleen Furgeson attended the Youth Training The annual National Games Track & Field from the Ministry of Health. The competition The International Handball Federation (IHF) the Marshall Islands from university prior to Program. Competition was held in May and featured was for players aged 40 and over, a group for continues its efforts to develop the sport of the Games to practice with the team and to con- runners, throwers and jumpers from all of which there are few organized sports activities. Giordan had a breakthrough meet at the FINA handball in the islands of Oceania. MINOC Ex- duct softball clinics in the communities of the the villages, communities, and atolls of the World Swimming Championships in December, ecutive Board member Tony Muller was elected Marshall Islands. Young 17-year-old catcher Marshall Islands. World Athletics Day activities Coach Newell conducted a Level One Coach with lifetime bests in all 6 of his swims. Annie to the Executive Board of Oceania Handball. Kalyna Korok was also a driving force in the were celebrated at the end of May. Six athletes Training Course for school and community Helper achieved a lifetime best in her 50-meter The drive of Oceania Handball is to develop team’s success. The Women’s Softball Team participated in the Oceania Area Champion- coaches. Numerous outreach visits were made Freestyle and personal bests in 4 of her 6 handball through the school system. Marshall was very confident going into the Micro Games In May, Colleen Furgeson and Giordan Harris ships held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands in June. to local schools with Coach Newell on Majuro, swims. Angela Kendrick achieved personal Islands Handball Federation’s (MIHF) initial and is now gearing up to face even more competed at the Oceania Swim Championships Former Olympian Haley Nemra has transitioned Ebeye and Kwajalein. MIBF has expanded bests in 3 of her 6 swims. meetings with the Ministry of Education and challenging competition at the 2015 Pacific in Auckland, New Zealand. 17-year-old Colleen from elite athlete to coach, building a very the basketball partnership with Majuro Mayor private schools have been very positive. IHF Games in PNG. swam in 6 events and qualified for finals in four competitive youth and junior athletics program Mudge Samuel and Majuro Atoll Local Gov- has also donated equipment to begin handball events. Giordan, an Oceania Foundation schol- TABLE TENNIS in Laura Village. Alfredo Quiani participated in ernment with a Sport and Environment initiative The women were not alone in their Micro programs in the elementary schools in order arship holder who has been training in Iowa the IAAF World Juniors Championships in Eu- “Clean Majuro” campaign that engaged local Games victory; the men’s team brought home to inspire interest and competition at an early Lakes, swam in 8 events, qualified for finals in gene, Oregon in July. MIAF’s Yoann Matthew high school students in school campus clean- the silver medal. The men’s national softball age. This equipment is due to arrive in early 6 events and achieved two new personal best attended the Women’s Leadership Seminar ups as part of a leadership program. team saw more than half of its line up change 2015 and MIHF is scheduling IHF technical records. in Australia in October, receiving training on to a younger group, a testament to the success The 14th Ralik Ratak Shootout national coach and referee training visits to coincide. methods to increase women’s involvement in of youth and junior programs. Fast-pitch soft- basketball tournament was held in Septem- A highlight late in 2014 was IHF’s invitation Marshall Islands Swimming Federation (MISF) sports competition and administration. Also ball has always been one of the top team sports ber-October. This event was highly successful for MIHF’s tops executives to attend the Qatar sent 18 swimmers to compete at the 8th in October, Elisha Woodall and Jesen Kelep for men; however, the priority in recent years with high turnouts of spectators, similar to all 2015 Men’s World Handball Championships Micronesian Games in Pohnpei, FSM in July. competed in the Oceania Athletics Association has been to develop the youth and junior pro- the Ralik Ratak Shootout tournaments in all the in Doha. They won 34 total medals (6 gold, 12 silver Cross Country Championships in Guam. grams, which has paid dividends. The national previous years. and 16 bronze). Troy Kojenlang led the swim Marshall Islands Table Tennis Federation Carlon Zedkaia attended the Level 1 Lectur- competition level for men has elevated both team with 12 medals at the Micro Games and (MITTF) hosted its annual national tourna- SOFTBALL ers Course in Guam in November. With this The High School League (boys/girls teams) technically and in physical play. Emphasis on represented the Marshall Islands at the 2nd ments—Majuro Day, May Day and President’s Having benefitted during the last quadrennial achievement MIAF can recruit and train more held in January-March and November-De- coach and referee development has had a direct Youth Olympics. He competed in two events: Day. Coordination among the federation and from an Olympic Solidarity Team Support Track & Field coaches. cember was very successful. The Elementary impact on year-round competition. Year-round the 50-meter Freestyle (winning his heat) and community clubs ensured these three events Grant, and having won a bronze medal at the School Basketball League was held for the first leagues and tournaments continue to draw men the 100-meter breaststroke, achieving personal met all expectations to be successful. In previous Micro Games in , the women’s BASKETBALL time in five years in November-December. This and women, young and old, players and fans. best times in both events. addition, two more coaches have completed softball team was more prepared than ever 2014 was a year of firsts for the Marshall was a very exciting year for the schools. This year’s leagues included NCD awareness all requirements for International Table Tennis for the 8th Micronesian Games. The Team Islands Basketball Federation (MIBF). The and prevention messages through the Austra- Several MISF coaches earned FINA certi- Federation Level 1 Coach Certification. At Support Grant helped to better organize the first double silver medal finish for men’s and To manage these numerous annual activities lian Sports Outreach Program. The conclusion fications this year. Helbert Alfred earned a the Micronesian Games, the men’s team, led national team, which by extension, as the women’s basketball teams at the Micronesian and organize additional trainings and com- of 2014 saw the Marshall Islands / Level 1 FINA Coach’s certificate at the FINA by coach/player Collin Erakdrik, took bronze

Annual Report 2014 medals for the team event and doubles. (WTF) has provided G4 status to the Pacific Guinea next summer. MIVF is partnering with President Dr.Tamás Aján and IWF Director WRESTLING two new wrestling mats. MINOC and UWW General Attila Adamfi at the event. partnered to secure funding from Olympic Games for the first time, bringing the Pacific Mayor Mudge Samuel to develop additional With assistance from MINOC, the Marshalls Solidarity to deliver Regional Technical Working closely with the College of the Games into line with all other continental courts throughout the capital. Wrestling Federation (MWF) utilized Olympic 2013 Youth and Junior Oceania Champion Courses for coaches and referees, facilitated Marshall Islands (CMI), several tournaments Games in offering a higher level of WTF rank- MIVF has been granted an FIVB beach volley- Solidarity YOG Athlete Support Preparation Mattie Sasser was noticeably absent from by UWW Oceania Development Officer Ethan were held at the campus. MITTF continues to ings points to athletes. Following the Pacific ball grassroots program and will be developing and Qualification grant funding, which helped the Oceania Championships due to an injury, Lake and UWW Refereeing Commission work closely with the community clubs as well Games, Jason will head to Korea for more youth and junior leagues through the schools. send two coaches and three cadet and junior but she came back strong at the Micronesian Instructor Davor Petanjek, in conjunction with to ensure that certified coaches visit regularly intensive elite training and competition. wrestlers, female Ilania Keju and males Eddie Games. Her three gold medals added to a the Championships. In this way, MINOC was and assist in training and running community The development of MIVF’s four-year plan pri- Adiniwin and Kaiser Muller, to the Oceania level competitions. oritized the need to certify FIVB and AVC Level record-breaking MHL single sport medal sweep able to maximize and coordinate four Olympic VOLLEYBALL Wrestling Championships and Youth Olympic by the team of 10 lifters coached by Terry Sass- Solidarity grants to deliver what promises to 1 coaches and referees. The popularity of Games Qualifier in American in March. The importance of generating female partici- er and coach/athlete Mack Capelle. Marshall be a pinnacle year for MWF, which will reap volleyball leagues and tournaments continues Coached by MWF President and Athlete Com- pation in table tennis competition and all other Islands Weightlifting Federation President benefits on the road to Rio and beyond. throughout the Marshall Islands, making them mission Chair Waylon Muller, Ilania won three aspects of the sport weighs highly on MITTF’s Tony Muller and Vice-President for Women’s the perfect vehicle for MIVF’s highly success- gold medals and the boys won bronze each. agenda for the next year. For this reason, long- ful Australian Sport Outreach Program NCD Development Amy Sasser both served as tech- nical officials for the competition. The team’s time top Marshall Islands table tennis athlete, awareness and prevention messages. MISEP Ilania qualified and Kaiser was awarded a final medal tally was 23 gold, 1 silver and 6 Lola Juj has been selected to spearhead this Coordinator Kevin Harkey provides administra- universality place to compete in the 2nd Youth bronze for a total of 30 medals. The 23 gold campaign. MITTF Secretary General Kalani tive and technical support to the Federation. Olympic Games in Nanjing, China in August. medals included outstanding performances Nii’s MISEP Educator training has increased Kaiser wrestled 50kg in the Greco-Roman from Tabuati Bob, Marine Burns, Peter Enoch, the level of organizational and structural exper- MIVF Vice-President Terry Sasser, who is also category and Ilania wrestled Freestyle in the Chanity Lare, Patterson River, Mattie Sasser, tise he provides to the Federation. Oceania Zonal Volleyball Association’s (OZVA) 70kg. Both wrestlers (Ilania ranked 6th and Loir Tamare and Lomina Tibon. Vice-President for the Western Sub-zone, Kaiser ranked 8th in their weight classes) Kenneth Kramer A junior table tennis team is in training for par- attended the AVC annual meeting and now gained experience in the international arena President, MINOC ticipation in their first Oceania Championships Due to her outstanding results since her holds a position on the AVC Executive Board, and represented their country proudly. in in 2015. giving him greater leverage to push for the competition debut in 2012, Mattie was awarded an elite athlete scholarship to train for the 2016 development of the sport of indoor and beach MINOC was instrumental in assisting MWF to Rio Olympic Games. Rio hopefuls Mattie and TAEKWONDO In this quadrennial, the Marshall Islands Vol- volleyball regionally and nationally. secure an Olympic Solidarity DNSS grant that fellow Micro Games gold medalist Tabuati Athlete Jason Sam, who earned the Pacific leyball Federation (MIVF) is benefitting from a brought Korean National Coach Young Ho Ko Team Support Grant from Olympic Solidarity. continue two-a-day intensive training sessions Mini Games gold medal and Outstanding Ath- WEIGHTLIFTING for an extended stay in the Marshall Islands in preparation for the World Championships, lete of the taekwondo competition, continues This funding supported the team’s training to help prepare the wrestling team for the 2014 got off to a great start with 6 medals in Oceania Championships and his quest for Olympic qualification. His efforts through the RMI National Games, where they Micronesian Games, the February’s Pacific Islands Email Tournament; in 2015. Weightlifting will receive an Olympic secured an elite athlete scholarship to train for played together as one team, and up to the and the 2015 Oceania Championships, which Terry Sasser 48Kg Lomina Tibon and 58Kg Mattie Sasser Solidarity Development of a National Sport the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. He has since Micronesian Games. will be hosted in Majuro, Marshall Islands. At Secretary General, MINOC both won gold. Lomina also took gold in both Structure (DNSS) grant in 2015 to further moved to Honolulu, Hawaii where he is training the Micro Games, the team won 4 gold, 6 silver Following the Games, the federation has put the junior and senior 48Kg competitions in develop the sport into the outer-lying villages with an elite program to best prepare for his and 5 bronze for a total of 15 medals. a high priority on the development of beach the 2014 Oceania Championships in New and clubs of the Marshall Islands in coopera- next qualification attempt this summer. He Caledonia, making her the outstanding junior volleyball, in line with FIVB and AVC. Con- tion with IWF and Oceania Wrestling Federation Also in preparation to host the 2015 Oceania aims to repeat his Mini Games victory at the female lifter of the competition. Youth 69Kg struction of a beach court at the College of the (OWF). Championships, United World Wrestling combined Pacific Games/Oceania Champi- Peter Enoch took the silver medal in the youth Marshall Islands main campus is nearly com- (UWW) Development Director Lúcás Ó’Ceal- onships in PNG in July. With the addition of category and bronze in the junior competition. plete and a beach team is already preparing to lacháin and Sports Department Coordinator Australia and New Zealand to the taekwondo The Oceania weightlifting family was proud compete at the Pacific Games in Papua New Tristan Morard ensured the procurement of competition, the World Taekwondo Federation to host International Weightlifting Federation

Annual Report 2014