Secretary-General of the Kiribati National Olympic Committee (KNOC) Tenoa Betene said, ‘this event is really important to our Team Kiribati in Tokyo as it shows them that we as a country are behind them and that they will make their country proud.’

KNOC invited sporting National Federations, communities, sports enthusiasts and fans in what it called a family event involving a livestream linking to Tokyo Olympic Stadium with the addition of a Pacific flavour of live music, dance, and comedy.
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Betene said that among other local iKiribati artists, the event featured local celebrities Miss Kiribati 2021, Mr Kiribati 2021, Eita Boys Comedian Group, and the Tebikenimakin Dancing Group.

He added, ‘We hope that this event will inspire the children and the youth of Kiribati, looking up to these Olympians as their role models.’

‘Sport is a cross-cutting issue and we are hopeful that sport can touch and change their life one day.’

Mr Betene also stated that the event was organised, ‘to celebrate the achievement of our athletes at the highest level - the Olympic Games.’

‘This is the peak, the dream of every athlete representing their country is an honour and privilege.’

‘As an NOC this is one of our major objectives, having our athletes attending the Olympic Games and this is our biggest contingent ever to any Olympic Games.’

Mr Betene said he hoped the livestream would, ‘inspire the youth of Kiribati so that they can one day make their country proud through sport.’

He said it was equally important for the ‘community to come together to show support and solidarity to athletes during these challenging times.’

‘It’s also important to show the community that this is not just sport, it is more than just sport and to get behind Team Kiribati in future competitions.’

Sans officials, Team Kiribati comprises three athletes: Kinaua Biribo (Judo), Lataisi Mwea (Athletics) and Ruben Katoatau (Weightlifting).

The Kiribati flag featuring a yellow frigate bird and sun representing the nation straddling the equator was designed by Sir Arthur Grimble and adopted on the day of the country’s independence, 12 July 1979.

It was carried at the Opening Ceremony by female judoka, Kinaua Biribo.

For further information:
On Kiribati National Olympic Committee (KNOC)