Karate

Koreta was part of a group of inclusive athletes to participate in an exhibition match in Para-Athletics – a first for the Regional Youth Games edition.

Happily communicating through her guardian, Koreta said, she was excited to be part of the program attending the Regional Youth Games.

On her way to have a first taste of the event, transport became an issue and then came the heavy downpour on her arrival at the event site, but all these did not stop Koreta who persisted in being out there on the pitch.

New Caledonia claimed the spoils in the Female Team Kata, Female Team Kumite, Male Team Kata, Male Open Kumite and the Male Team Kumite events.

New Caledonia’s Iwe ReneHmana defeated Nigel Bana from Papua New Guinea to win gold in the Male Open Kumite, leaving Bana withsilver.

In the Male Team Kata event, New Caledonia won gold and Vanuatu picked up silver. New Caledonia also beat Vanuatu in the Male Team Kumite. Vanuatu claimed silver and Papua New Guinea bronze.

The 19 year old won silver after she was defeated 6-0 by gold medallist Fijian Drodrolagi Kidia in the female individual kumite -61kg category.

Catherine said the silver medal means a lot because this is her first Pacific Games and first ever medal.