Commonwealth Youth Games

Commonwealth Youth Games to open in Samoa

Preparations for the week-long event have been praised by organisers, who also backed the Samoan government's decision to deny entry for athletes from Sierra Leone.

The delegation from Sierra Leone was denied entry visas over Ebola virus fears.

Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, says it's the responsibility of his government to put safety first for the up to 2,000 athletes participating in the Youth Games.

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO David Grevemberg is confident Samoa will host a memorable Games with a lasting legacy.

Samoa PM says athletes safety from Ebola a priority

The Commonwealth Games Federation rejected a proposal by Ghana to issue sanctions against Samoa, for denying Sierra Leone entry, at this weeks General Assembly in Auckland.

Tuila'epa says it's the responsibility of his government to put safety first for the up to 2,000 athletes participating in the fifth Commonwealth Youth games.

He says he supports the decision because his country was the worst affected by the Spanish flu, which had killed 25 percent of Samoa's population back in 1918.

Team Cook Islands named for Commonwealth Youth Games

Team Cook Islands, to be headed by Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) sports manager Siniva Marsters, will be taking part in aquatics (swimming), athletics, lawn bowls and rugby sevens.

Marsters has become the second female after Rosie Blake to lead Team Cook Islands to an international event.

The athletes, aged 14 to 18 years, will be gunning for their personal bests in the week-long games in Apia.

Five athletes represent Kiribati for the Commonwealth Youth Games

KNOC's Sport Education Officer, Tenoa Betene told Radio Kiribati News Kiribati will only be competing in three sports - Tennis, Weightlifting and Boxing.

Competing in Tennis are Tabera Bonteman and Kaoa Fakaofo. Takirua Betero and Toonga Tokitebwa will take part in weightlifting while Tevi Steven will compete in boxing.

The team is expected to depart for the Games on 03 September and to return on 17 September.

"Just Play" to feature at Commonwealth Youth Games

Run in conjunction with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), the Commonwealth Secretariat and children's charity UNICEF, the activities include workshops and “Just Play” fan zones, where young locals, athletes and visitors will be able to participate in interactive games.

The workshops will be held on a rotational basis each day for athletes and officials and will be delivered by representatives from the Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace, a group of young sports leaders from across the region.