BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
FOR proof that Pacific Games’ dreams can be realized later in life, one only needs to look at the Solomon Islands Para team for this November’s Pacific Games in Honiara.
The team is currently preparing hard on their scheduled training with the carpenter turn para-athlete, Fred Manu, optimistic to make his Pacific Games debut at 40.
Fred’s achievement is certainly remarkable after he joined the country’s para team in November 2022.
The Malaita-born para-athlete is poised to represent the country in the respective field events’ of seated shot-put and seated javelin.
As a qualified carpenter, Fred graduated with a certificate in carpentry after completing his three years (2007-2009) at Afutara Vocational School in West Kwaio. He represented Temotu in the previous Solomon Games, scooping a silver medal in the seated javelin.
The 40-year-old from Central Kwara’ae, Malaita province previously sustained a severe injury to his right foot after being involved in a vehicle accident forcing him to quit his trades profession as a carpenter.
“After my graduation, I worked several years as a carpenter until I got injured from the vehicle accident in 2019,” he told RAW SPORTS.
After a year of involvement in Para sports and months of training Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High–Performance program, Fred is now transforming his body and mind through physical training and is confident to make his debut as a para-athlete representing his country.
“I would like to thank my coaches, family, and team mates and the people that have helped supported me throughout my scheduled training at the SINIS training facility.
“Without them, I wouldn’t have made it this far,” he said.
