Category Archives: Oceania

IPSWICH international achievers Annie McGuire and Rochelle Vidler have plenty of adventure to share with their friends when they return to school next week.

Two gold medals, two silver successes and setting an under-18 Oceania record were the most satisfying achievements.

The 16-year-old national champions can also relive their first international experience representing Australia, talking about the different food and culture.

But best of all, McGuire and Vidler have returned from Fiji having showcased their international quality.

Lockyer District Athletics Club long jumper McGuire collected gold in her main under-18 event at the Oceania Championships in Suva.

She also won a gold representing the Australian 4x100m relay team. She ran the second leg in a record time of 47.73.

Dedicated Ipswich and District Athletic Club thrower Vidler was rewarded with silver medals in the under-18 hammer and discus.

Although McGuire's 5.73m leap was below her personal best 5.90m, she was happy to win given the extra challenge competing for the first time on the international stage.

"I was pretty disappointed with my measurement but considering the conditions, I'm not too sad about it,'' she said.

"It was pouring down rain at the start of the day and then once the rain stopped, the wind picked up.''

Karrabin-based McGuire had to keep calm to win gold on her final leap.

"I was not doing so well at the start but then I just worked with the conditions at the end and got a fairly good one in,'' she said.

All that came after a "pretty intense'' three-hour flight to Nadi International Airport and a four-hour bus trip to Suva before competing.

But producing a golden leap at the critical time gave her a boost for future major competitions.

"It helps me understand what it's going to be like for the next one hopefully that I'll be going to,'' she said.

McGuire also appreciated having her parents Ros and Chris in Fiji, along with brother Beau and sister Madeline.

"That helped me a lot because whenever I was feeling a little nervous or anything, they'd just come over and help me out,'' she said.

Ipswich Girls' Grammar School year 11 student Vidler also had an outstanding competition in Fiji.

She opened her campaign with a silver medal-winning discus throw of 39.57m.

However, it was in her main event - the under-18 hammer - that Vidler again showed her immense promise.

Her personal best throw of 60.63m broke the Oceania and Queensland under-18 records. The winner reset the Oceania record with a 61.77m throw in Suva.

With the Youth Olympics in Argentina next year, Vidler appreciated the opportunity to represent Australia overseas for the first time.

"It was a great experience. It was a good insight into international competition,'' Vidler said.

For an athlete aged 16, Vidler is already showing maturity beyond her years. That is highlighted in her regularly excelling against older athletes.

However, winning medals in hammer and discus in Fiji also exposed her to a range of higher level experiences in contrast to what she sees and does at state and national titles. "It was a different atmosphere with everything and there's more independence I guess,'' she said. "I liked it. It was good.''

Friends with Ipswich-based Aussie teammate Annie McGuire, Vidler was happy to see her do so well as the pair adjusted to the food and travel requirements.

"Annie was right next door to me,'' Vidler said.

Vidler hopes to qualify for next year's Youth Olympics when she contests the national titles in February. But she'll have a short break before focusing on her school events at Ipswich Girls' Grammar.

Meanwhile, Lockyer District club head coach Bailey Pashley said McGuire's gold medal effort under testing conditions typified her character.

"This was an excellent result for the young athlete who had to extend her season by three months,'' Pashley said.

"It meant that Annie had to stay motivated after her national title win in March and not succumb to overtraining and physical fatigue.''

However, the West West Moreton Anglican College year 11 student will be straight back into athletics on Monday.

It's the college sports day where McGuire expects to compete in a range of events.

It just won't be after an extended travel journey or having to eat so much rice - as she did in Fiji.

Read the rest here:

Ipswich teenagers share in Oceania success - The Queensland Times

Details July 04, 2017

Oceania Cruises recognized itsYoungest World Cruises, Lorenna DAmore Nogueira, 4, and Henrique DAmore Nogueira, 6, Wednesday in New York, according to a statement.

The brother and sister, from Brazil, are sailing with their mother Drielle DAmore Nogueira and father Diego Castilho Nogueira on a 180-day voyage. They will soon complete Oceanias global trip, which began in Miami January 6, 2017 and will conclude July 6. The trip included calls in 36 countries on six continents.

Drielle, a teacher, said that this is an incredible way to learn about world history, culture and people. "They have adapted to it all very easily and willingly and are interested in new stories, she said. This [experience] will definitely make a difference when studying, learning and understanding matters in school."

Diego added, Its fantastic how children are sponges absorbing everything around themThe diversity encountered (on this cruise) will certainly help them grow with less prejudices because they met so many people from different cultures.

The children have found the trip exciting as well.

I like to visit the different countries, but sometimes I wanted to stay longer and we dont have time. But it's cool; I already know the places that I want to go back to! said Henrique.

Lorenna, who turned 4 during the trip added,I like to go off the ship and see the cities. I love the chef when he makes brigadeiro (a Brazilian pastry) for me like for my birthday! I loved my birthday party on the ship.

The children are learning a lot as well. We have the childrens drawings on the walls of the places that we have been said Drielle. They show how much they are learning with the whole experience. We love this experience and think it should be mandatory for every human being, as personal growth.

See the original post here:

Oceania Recognizes Youngest World Cruisers - Cruise Industry News

Alex Winwood boxed his way to a gold medal at the Oceania Championships.

Alex Winwood overcame a spirited challenge from Maxi Mangea to win gold at the Oceania Championships. Photo: Boxing Australia.

Alex Winwood overcame a spirited challenge from Maxi Mangea to win gold at the Oceania Championships. Photo: Boxing Australia.

Alex Winwood overcame a spirited challenge from Maxi Mangea to win gold at the Oceania Championships. Photo: Boxing Australia.

Alex Winwood overcame a spirited challenge from Maxi Mangea to win gold at the Oceania Championships. Photo: Boxing Australia.

Alex Winwood overcame a spirited challenge from Maxi Mangea to win gold at the Oceania Championships. Photo: Boxing Australia.

Alex Winwood overcame a spirited challenge from Maxi Mangea to win gold at the Oceania Championships. Photo: Boxing Australia.

Alex Winwood overcame a spirited challenge from Maxi Mangea to win gold at the Oceania Championships. Photo: Boxing Australia.

Alex Winwood overcame a spirited challenge from Maxi Mangea to win gold at the Oceania Championships. Photo: Boxing Australia.

Mandurah boxer Alex Winwood has returned from the Oceania Championships in Sydney with a gold medal draped around his neck.

The light flyweight champion was forced to overcome a a few stinging blows from opponent Maxi Mangea in the first round, but took control of the fight in the second and won the third on his way to a unanimous points decision to claim the championship title.

It was a great feeling. To be able to bring a gold medal home is the reason I went over there so to achieve that is great, he said.

[My opponent] was a really good fighter. He pushed me to the very edge so I thinkto come back and win showed I performed the way I wanted to.

Alex Winwood (red) lands a jab against Maxi Mangea. Photo: Boxing Australia.

Winwood had been in training for the tournament for roughly five days a week across a two-month span, and was in the only weight division to hold just one fight.

Once he and Mangea arrived at the ring they were forced to wait 20 minutes for the doctor to arrive.

The Eureka Boxing products coach, Brian Satori, said the win was a credit to Winwoods preparation.

Alex prepares himself for fights so well and his dedication is second to none, Satori said.

Ideally youd like to have three or four fights at a tournament like that, and then to have the hiccup with waiting for the doctor, I think Alex took it all in his stride and fought a great fight against a tough opponent.

Overall, Australia picked up six gold and two silver medals at the tournament.

Winwoods victory means he is automatically selected to fight for Australia at the world championships in Hamburg, Germanythis August.

Winwood will now represent Australia at the world titles in Hamburg. Photo: Boxing Australia.

The 19-year-old has already represented the nation a number of times, but said the pride of boxing for his country never wore off.

When you walk to the ring and theres someone holding the Australian flag in front of you, it makes it all pretty special, he said.

Its something that never gets old and Im really excited to be doing it again.

Winwood will now continue his training at Eureka Boxing and search for fights in the lead up to the Hamburg tournament.

Read more:

Mandurah's Alex Winwood takes out gold medal at Oceania Championships - Mandurah Mail

SAM KILMISTER

Last updated14:14, July 4 2017

Supplied

Abbey Webb brought home two silver medals at theOceania tournament in Fiji last month.

Hand-eye co-ordination, lightning-fast reactions, strategic nous and pin-point accuracy are hallmarks of table tennis.

They're skills that Feilding teen Abbey Webb used to bring home two silver medals fromtheOceania Championships in Suva, Fiji, last month.

Her efforts in two doubles categories were rewarded, but she lost to Australia in the mixed doubles2-3and then again 1-3in regular doubles.

David Unwin/Fairfax NZ.

Abbey Webb from Feilding High School.

"I stood on that podium proud of the fact I'm from New Zealand and proud of how much I love my sport... but I must admit I was starting to get annoyed with the repeat of the Australian national anthem."

Webb took confidence from competing against some of the best junior table tennis gurus in the world.

A spot on the podium was a dream come truein her first international representative event.

"For someone like me, coming from a small town in the heart of Manawatu I often don't get to play any girls and events like these are one of the few times I get to socialise and train with female players.

"I learnt a lot from the amazing young juniors. It doesn't matter about age or skill, you can take a lot of things from them."

Perhaps more fierce than the competition on the table was the stifling heat the athletes had to acclimatise to.

Webb recalled a training session upon arriving in Suva and "hadn't sweated that much" in her life.

"The table and balls were always damp and this affected how we played."

The experience has only developedher passion for the sport as she sets her eyes to her ultimate goal - the Commonwealth Games - and hopefully, one day, get one back on the Aussies.

"Now I have extra motivation to train hard, repeat the opportunity to represent my country, see the friends I have made and to drown out the Australian national anthem."

-Stuff

Read more:

Feilding teen does herself proud at Oceania table tennis | Stuff.co.nz - Manawatu Standard

SAM KILMISTER

Last updated14:14, July 4 2017

Supplied

Abbey Webb brought home two silver medals at theOceania tournament in Fiji last month.

Hand-eye co-ordination, lightning-fast reactions, strategic nous and pin-point accuracy are hallmarks of table tennis.

They're skills that Feilding teen Abbey Webb used to bring home two silver medals fromtheOceania Championships in Suva, Fiji, last month.

Her efforts in two doubles categories were rewarded, but she lost to Australia in the mixed doubles2-3and then again 1-3in regular doubles.

David Unwin/Fairfax NZ.

Abbey Webb from Feilding High School.

"I stood on that podium proud of the fact I'm from New Zealand and proud of how much I love my sport... but I must admit I was starting to get annoyed with the repeat of the Australian national anthem."

Webb took confidence from competing against some of the best junior table tennis gurus in the world.

A spot on the podium was a dream come truein her first international representative event.

"For someone like me, coming from a small town in the heart of Manawatu I often don't get to play any girls and events like these are one of the few times I get to socialise and train with female players.

"I learnt a lot from the amazing young juniors. It doesn't matter about age or skill, you can take a lot of things from them."

Perhaps more fierce than the competition on the table was the stifling heat the athletes had to acclimatise to.

Webb recalled a training session upon arriving in Suva and "hadn't sweated that much" in her life.

"The table and balls were always damp and this affected how we played."

The experience has only developedher passion for the sport as she sets her eyes to her ultimate goal - the Commonwealth Games - and hopefully, one day, get one back on the Aussies.

"Now I have extra motivation to train hard, repeat the opportunity to represent my country, see the friends I have made and to drown out the Australian national anthem."

-Stuff

Read the original:

Feilding teen does herself proud at Oceania table tennis - Manawatu Standard

July 3, 2017

Athletics

Rellie Kaputin,Toea Wisil and Ephraim Lerkin were the outstanding performers for Papua New Guinea at the Oceania Championships in Suva, Fiji which concluded on Saturday. PNG accumulating 10 gold, 11 silver and six bronze medals in the Open Division. Kaputin continued her fine 2017 form with three gold medals in the jumps events, the highlight being an Oceania Championship record of 13.05m in the triple jump. Toea Wisil ran a championship record of 23.24 seconds in the 200m and won the 100m by a huge margin of 0.6 seconds. Lerkin ran a magnificent 400m hurdles race despite being in some pain from a chest infection which was causing him breathing difficulties. The 19-year-old Simberi Islander was determined not to let this affect him as it had in the 400m final and had the race stitched up by the half way stage, going on to clock 51.73 seconds for first place. Other gold medals were won by Simbai Kaspar (5000m), Adrine Monagi (Heptathlon); Peniel Richard (Triple jump) and Raylyne Kanam (400m hurdles). Although Monagi and Richard won their events, they were clearly jaded after a long hard season of competition, as was decathlete Robson Yinambe. Athletics PNG president Tony Green said: These athletes will now go into a recovery phase before building up for the Pacific Mini Games. It was a solid all round team effort for the senior team with Debono Paraka setting two national records and Sharon Toako also impressing in the throws. Some great results were also recorded in the mens 200m with Nazmie Lee Marai, Theo Piniau, Wesley Logorava and Nelson Stone. Poro Gahekave aquitted herself well against strong competition from Australia picking up two bronze medals and setting a personal best 4min 47.26 secs in the 1500m, added Green. All of PNGs U20 and U18 athletes made the finals in the 200m with Leeroy Kamau being the standout as he is showing the potential to break Peter Pulus junior records by next year, said Green. His 21.65 sec clocking in the 200m is a massive performance for an 18 year old, as was the all round effort of Emmanuel Wanga who doesnt turn 18 until December. Valuable international experience was gained by many emerging athletes including Roland Hure, Damien Kotou , Letisha Pukaikia, Nancy Malamut, Lyenne Nilmo, and Leonie Beu, added Green. Australia fielded two large teams and dominated the championships.

10:28 AM - Its been two-years since the Wright brothers, Liam & Lloyd stepped onto the basketball courts at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre in Port Moresby.

The efforts of one person had everyone talking as Sri Lanka set Australia the biggest run-chase in World Cup history.

Athletics Rellie Kaputin,Toea Wisil and Ephraim Lerkin were the outstanding performers for Papua New Guinea at the Oceania Championships in Suva, Fiji which concluded on Saturday. PNG accumulating 10 gold,...

10:28 AM - Its been two-years since the Wright brothers, Liam & Lloyd stepped onto the basketball courts at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre in Port Moresby.

The efforts of one person had everyone talking as Sri Lanka set Australia the biggest run-chase in World Cup history.

Link:

Highlighted by Rellie Kaputin and Toea Wisil breaking Oceania Championships records - POST-COURIER

FORMER Philippines runner Benjamin Cesar said a high performance centre in the Oceania region would be ideal to produce some of the best athletes for the region.

He was in the country to look for talented athletes in the 2017 Oceania Athletics Championships.

"The biggest way to improve the athletics in the Oceania region was to get a national training pool in country and for the region there should be a high performance centre,' he said.

"If you get a high performance centre then each country will give their best so the level does not only become better in Fiji but becomes better in the whole region. If the countries like Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea participate then the level will keep getting better.

"I think the talent identification is a way to find more athletes. One can identify talents but if you cannot cultivate the talent then the identification goes no where. Finding the athletes in the Coca-Cola Games and giving them a proper program to follow and to show them that the support from the Athletics Fiji will allow them to see the world will get them a better education."

He also played a leading role in helping the Fijian athletes with their outfit working for a renowned branding company.

"I have been helping Fiji athletes and I was fortunate enough to work with a clothing brand and was able to help them beginning in 2013.

"I got back in touch with Athletics Fiji in 2012 however at that time we did not see a reason to help because of the situation the federation was in. Once Joseph Rodan and Joseph Rodan Jr got involved then we agreed to help," he said.

"We met Banuve Tabakaucoro in Beijing, China so we outfitted him and wherever we saw a Fijian athlete we decided to help out and it was because of that relationship. We did not treat them differently from other athletes.

"The future is bright as long as there is a good guidance and leadership."

Cesar along with his wife and two kids took part in the Olympic Day fun run at Albert Park in Suva last Friday.

Read the original:

Assistance for Oceania athletes - Fiji Times Online - Fiji Times

BOXING: Six Australians have won Oceania Boxing titles on the final day of Championship competition at Paradise Point on the Gold Coast, including Commonwealth Games silver medallist Joseph Goodall and former junior World Champion, Clay Waterman.

Another two Australians, including Rio Olympian Jason Whateley, have qualified for this years Boxing World Championships despite losing their final bouts on Thursday.

Goodalls super heavyweight title was never in doubt, the big Queenslander earning a unanimous points decision over New Zealands Patrick Mailata.

Likewise Waterman was also in complete control in his bout against another New Zealander, Jarrod Banks, in the mens 81kg.

The mens 91kg final was one of the most anticipated bouts of the day, with the 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, New Zealands David Nyika, an impressive 5-0 winner over Whateley.

Other Australian victories came for Andrew Hunt in the 69kg division over Fijis Winston Hill, Harry Garside over New Zealands Chad Milnes in the 60kg, Sam Goodman in the 56kg over Vanuatus Boe Warawara, and Alex Winwood against Papua New Guineas Maxie Mangea in the mens flyweight.

In the closest bout of the day Papua New Guineas Charles Keama defeated Australias Tyler Blizzard in a split-points decision 3-2 in the mens 52kg.

New Zealands Richard Hadlow won the mens 64kg division, beating Colan Caleb from Nauru, while teammate Ryan Scaife beat Samoas Henry Tyrell for the 75kg title.

Boxing Australia

Read more:

Six Australians celebrate Oceania Boxing titles - Australian Olympic Committee

Heavyweight David Nyika has successfully defended his Oceania boxing title with a unanimous points decision win over Australian No.1 Jason Whateley on the Gold Coast.

It's the Hamilton fighter's third straight victory over the Victorian and was sweet redemption after missing out on the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.

Nyika burst on to the scene at just 18, when he won gold as a light heavyweight at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games three years ago, and now feels he's completed the step up.

"I'm a fully fledged heavyweight now, which has given me a lot of confidence when I can sit and tangle with the likes of Jason, who's a good fighter," he said on Thursday.

The result means the 21-year-old has qualified for the world championships starting in Hamburg in late August.

Nyika isn't expecting an easy ride when he travels to Europe, with a number of Olympians still fighting as amateurs.

"I think most of the medallists are still hanging about as a lot of the boxers from countries like Russia and Kazakhstan don't turn professional, so they're probably just in hibernation," he said.

"We'll be ready for the best of the best and that's all we can train for."

He's also refusing to look too far ahead and the chance of winning another Commonwealth gold in Queensland next April.

"I'm not too worried about studying different opponents at the world champs," he said.

"All I have to do is keep developing like I've been doing and, if all goes well, I'll be in tip-top shape for the Commonwealth Games next year."

NZN

Read more:

Kiwi boxer David Nyika retains Oceania heavyweight boxing title - Newshub

Editor's Note: In Part One of a two-part photo tour, we show somepublic spaces onboardOceania Cruises' Sirena, including the pool deck area, atrium, theater, card room, fitness areaand spa. Part Two of this series, coming soon, will show the top suites on the ship.

Travel Agent magazine boarded Oceania Cruises'30,277-grt Sirena for a brief day visit this month at PortMiami. Before the ship set sail on a 16-day transatlantic voyage to Civitavecchia(Rome), we checked out some of the ship's public spaces.

The 684-passenger Sirena, a sister ship to Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, joined the Oceania fleet in spring 2016followinga 35-day, $40 million refurbishment. In essence, it was a keel-to-mast rebuilding that almost created a completely new vessel.

Overall, Sirena is abit lighter and brighter than those three shipsas Oceania incorporatedsome decorative effects and colors from the largerMarina and Riviera. But it's not dramatically different otherwise from its trio of sister ships, except for the larger suites and two new specialty dining options.

We found the ship fresh and ship-shape. Here's aphoto tourfrom our all-too-short visit to this lovely mid-sized cruise ship.

Photo by Susan J Young

Sirena's atrium is a grand staircase, showing that even a ship the size of Sirena can "go regal." We liked the red, black and gold decor and the fresh flowers. Shown below is the adjacent top level area off the atrium, which has shops and seating.

It's also home to the Oceania Club Ambassador, whowill assist guests with future cruise bookings. Agents will receive commission and can service those bookingsif their client chooses to make a future cruise reservation here.

Photo by Susan J Young

Despite its modest size, Sirena hasplenty of nooks and crannies where guests can relax. Above is one of the many lounge spaces where guests can enjoy conversation and drinks.

Photo by Susan J Young

Sirena's library is a comfortable enclave of relaxation and elegance with more than 2,000 books and periodicals -- everything from mysteries to classical literature, from travel guides to current best sellers.

While strolling through the room taking photos we encountered several Oceania guests who told us how much they love this space, having sailed with the line on multiple cruises.

From our perspective, this is a place we could have plopped down easily with a good book. We liked the comfortable seating areas, the fireplace and the high ceiling with tropical bird art design. It added a lightercontrast to the rich, dark features of the room.

One of the classic features of the storied ocean liners of the past was the "card room." Sirena offers its own version of that card room (shown above) with tables for playing bridge, Scrabbleor other card or board games.

During our visit, one table displayed the outer border of jigsaw puzzle with pieces strewn about, just waiting for guests to play.

The center of nightly entertainment onboard Sirena is the Lounge, shown above. It'sa classy theatervenue outfitted in grey, blue and gold decor. Comedians, magicians, singers, headline acts and jazz ensembles entertain guests here.

In addition to the venue's fixed theater seating, includinglong couch-like seating, there are living-room-style chairs (movable), which givethe space flexibility for events. The lounge also has a bar.

For those who prefer outdoor activities, the ship has a top-deck shuffleboard area, shown above, as well as an adjacent putt-putt course, shown below.

Sun worshippers will likely appreciate the padded loungers on the topdeck. It's just a short stairway down to the pool deck below, which has two whirlpools, a bar and outdoor dining area.

Photoby Susan J Young

Photo by Susan J Young

After a day in the sun, or a busy day ashore to seethe sites, cruisers can return to Sirenaand enjoy fine dining in multiple venues as well as the more casual Terrace Cafe.

On our quick inspection, we dined in Terrace Cafe to meet with industry friends, butdidn't have time to see all the other dining spots. That said,we soaked in the yummy smells coming fromTuscan Steak, one of two new specialty restaurants onboard (Red Ginger is the other).

In the photo below, readers can see this lovely place setting at one of Tuscan Steak's tables. What's for dinner? Here guests can order Italian favorites, steaks and fresh seafood inspired by Toscana and Polo Grill.

Oceania's guests like fine dining, but many are also partial to healthy choices and fitness activities. We saw a robust fitness room with state-of-the-art machines, as well as this separate area below with spinning machines and colorful Pilates balls.

Photo by Susan J Young

After a hard day ashore or exercising in the fitness facility, guests can book a pampering spa treatment at Sirena's Canyon Ranch SpaClub, perhaps opting for an Ohana Circulation Polish, an exfoliation with crushed bamboo, bamboo sap and oils of ginger and fir that can remove rough, dry skin and stimulate circulation.

Or, many other options await including a Canyon Ranch Stone Massage, seaweek leaf wrap, detoxifying ritual, aromatherapy muscle soother or an Abhyanga massage. Here's a look at a spa treatment room, the locker room area and outdoor private deck for spa goers.

Photo by Susan J Young

The Canyon Ranch SpaClub's ladies' room locker area is shown above, andthe men's locker area is similar. Both have shower and steam room facilities.

Outside, spa guests also can head for the spa's private relaxation area including this thalassotherapy pool, shown below.

Follow this link:

Cruise Ship Tour: Public Spaces on Oceania Cruises' Sirena - Travel Agent