Liti And Patolo Named NZ Team Flag Bearers
The pair are part of a nine-strong weightlifting contingent at the Games, with five members set to make their New Zealand Team debut.
Patolo, who will compete in the Women's +86kg category, is one of those athletes making her debut and admits the call up to carry the flag came as a surprise.
'When I got the call, I was shocked, I was not expecting it at all, it's such a huge honour and I'm so grateful,' said Patolo.
'My coach was telling me to make sure I picked up a call from an unknown number, because usually I would've just ignored it...but I'm glad I picked it up!'
'I've spoken to a few of the others making their debut and we're all excited. We're training hard to make ourselves and the people we're representing proud, our families, our coaches, our clubs and of course our country,' she said.
Patolo is joined by experienced weightlifter, David Liti, who has been New Zealand Team flag bearer previously at both the 2019 and 2023 Pacific Games.
'Honestly as an athlete it's probably one of the biggest highlights,' Liti said.
'It's like being the captain of the 1st XV or the Prime Minister of New Zealand...you're the team leader at these events. I'm super proud and super pumped - it's one of the best feelings,' he said.
Liti, who will compete in the Men's +110kg category, said his motivation to compete in the black singlet has never been stronger.
'We come from a country where competing against each other is the norm, I've adapted to that, and I just want to be the best. Until I get what I want from weightlifting, I'll still be motivated,' he said.
Liti admitted it feels a bit 'weird' being seen as a senior member of the team, despite his young years.
'I feel like a veteran - I'm 28 at the moment but feel like I'm 50!'
'I still feel like just another athlete in the team. I'm always happy to share my knowledge and be there for those just starting out. I hope when we get to Palau, they can trust me and I'm there if they need my help,' he said.
Patolo is likely to be one of those athletes seeking out Liti's experience at the Games and expects it will be an emotional and exciting time when she leads the team out at the opening ceremony.
'I feel like every time I even start to think about it, I'll start crying. I'm just grateful for the opportunity and to do it alongside someone like David is special as well.'
The Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games go from June 29 to July 9 with New Zealand Team athletes competing from July 2. Updates and some live streamed events available on thenzteam.com
The New Zealand Team for Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games (in alphabetical order, *denotes New Zealand Team debut):
Hannah Close* (26 years old, Women's U58kg), Holly Drain (26 years old, Women's U77kg), Sienna Fesolai (19 years old, Women's U69kg), David Liti (28 years old, Men's +110kg), Tui-Alofa Patolo* (34 years old, Women's +86kg category), Louise Richards* (27 years old, Women's U63kg), Monica Saili-Hiakita* (27 years old, Women's U77kg), Judy Soloai* (30 years old, Women's +86kg), Vernon Taylor (26 years old, Men's U71kg)
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