Vakona claims crown

Sports

HULA village on the coast of Rigo, Central, hosted the Pacific Industries Pepsi Kiteboarding Classic on Saturday with participants battling it out across the competition’s three categories.
Bluey Vakona took out the Pepsi King of Air title while Anthony Vincent and Alex Lafargue grabbed second and third respectively in the category at Raukele Point.
The Pepsi Speed Demon crown went to Gia Alukali while Kali

 Our goal is to grow this sport and increase participation with a large-scale community. An event like this draws large crowds and is great for these talented athletes.”

Vakona and Ane Alukali finished second and third respectively.
The freestyle category saw Lafargue finish first, followed by Alukali and Vakona while Seri Helai Vakona was named as the best female competitor.
The competition also saw a donation of K2,000 each to the Hula Kiteboarding Club and Hula Nixon Memorial United Church.
“Pepsi has been supporting PNG’s most talented kite boarders for the last couple of years,” Pacific Industries said.
“Our goal is to grow this sport and increase participation with a large-scale community.
“An event like this draws large crowds and is great for these talented athletes.”
The competition is now into its second year with participation picking up along the coast with Hula being one of the first villages to host an annual competition under the emerging sport.
The Hula Kiteboarding Club has also set its sights on grooming more young talents to take up the sport and represent the country on the international stage.
Kiteboarding made its debut in the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2018.
Kiteboarding is now a recognised sport with the executive board of the International Olympic Committee approving it as an event for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hula Nixon Memorial United Church officials receiving a
K2,000 donation from Pacific Industries.
Pictures supplied

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pacific Industries Pepsi Kiteboarding Classic medal
winners at Raukele Point, Hula, Central, on Saturday.