News Story

Latter-day Saints Participate in 2019 Pacific Games

Among the thousands of athletes, officials and supporters arriving in Samoa over the last few days for next week's Pacific Games are a number of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Rakaba Mange, from Kiribati, is a year 12 student who will be participating in taekwondo. 

                           

Beeni Roubena, also from Kiribati, will be competing in boxing. He is also a year 12 student.  

                                                    
                                        

  

    

  

   

    

  

   

   

Both Beeni and Rakaba attend Moroni High School, which is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"They are proud to represent their country in this important event and will try their very best," said Ataake Tekanene, Church Public Affairs Director for Kiribati. 

Matalena Ekani Hunt is a 16-year-old from American Samoa who will also compete at the Games.

She will take part in the basketball competition.

                            
                             

                                                                           

  

  

   

  

   

Ruth Pierre from Tereoa College in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, is competing in tennis. Her father is also on the team. She attends the Takitimu branch and goes to Tereoa College in Rarotonga.

                
                                                                                                

   

    

  

  

     

  

    

   

Miss American Samoa, Magalita Johnson, had a part in the opening ceremony of the Pacific Games.

The Games begin on July 7 and will end on July 20.  

This will be the 16th time that the Pacific Games have been held and the third time in Samoa.

Twenty-two South Pacific Island nations plus Australia and New Zealand will be competing in 26 sports from badminton to basketball, sailing to squash. 

Over 3,500 athletes are expected to compete.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.