PNG sailors inspired by Olympian father at Samoa 2019
Sailing at the Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games is a family affair for Papua New Guinea’s Rose-Lee, Teariki and Raymond Numa.
Rose-Lee and Teariki are competing together in the laser and laser radial mixed team events, and individually in the men’s and women’s events. And they are coached by brother Raymond.
Their father Graham, a two-time Olympian in windsurfing at the Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games, instilled a love of sailing into all 10 of his children.
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Raymond, Rose and Teariki Numa (L-R) are following in the footsteps of their Olympian father, Graham (Credit: Pacific Games News Service)
Rose said: "Growing up we went sailing with my siblings and the other kids from the village, and that has opened up lots of opportunities for us all".
As they became more serious about the sport, they began training at the Royal Papua Yacht Club in Port Moresby, the venue for sailing events at the Port Moresby 2015 XVI Pacific Games.
It’s a juggle for each of them, as Rose has to fit training around university, while Raymond and Teariki head there after work each day.
Teariki had his first taste of the big stage at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games in China, while Rose Lee competed alongside two of her cousins at Port Moresby 2015.
Until recently the trio were coached by their father, but now Raymond has taken over and is still adjusting to the role of coaching his siblings.
“They listen to me most of the time," he laughed.
Sailing continues until Friday 19 July at Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort Mulifanua. Entry is free.
