Raucous fans greet Games athletes

Enthusiastic friends, family and fans of RMI Micronesian Games athletes and coaches turned out in large numbers at Amata Kabua International Airport Sunday night to welcome the basketball teams back from Yap. Both teams won silver medals at the 9th Micro Games. In the foreground decked out with RMI flags are women’s basketball standouts Jessica Olson (left) and Lulu Lejjena. Photo: Hilary Hosia
Enthusiastic friends, family and fans of RMI Micronesian Games athletes and coaches turned out in large numbers at Amata Kabua International Airport Sunday night to welcome the basketball teams back from Yap. Both teams won silver medals at the 9th Micro Games. In the foreground decked out with RMI flags are women’s basketball standouts Jessica Olson (left) and Lulu Lejjena. Photo: Hilary Hosia

Pride in country and patriotism summarized the welcoming ceremony for Marshallese athletes homebound from the 9th Micronesian Games in Yap Sunday night at the Amata Kabua International Airport.

Athletes, coaches and entourage received a VIP welcome from a large crowd of fans, families, friends and officials with each person receiving numerous hugs and leis as they entered under a prepared arch built in front of the arrival gate.
The deafening chants and the music played in the background added spice to the proud event.

Minister of Works, Infrastructure and Utilities Tony Muller welcomed the delegation on behalf of the government and offered an inspirational speech regarding RMI performing beyond expectation in Yap.

While honoring the athlete and coaches, Muller added RMI’s honor to host the 2022 Micronesian Games.

Muller also highlighted record-breaking events done by “grandpa” wrestler Waylon Muller, who “even though he’s a grandfather, he won gold,” Muller added.

Read more about this in the August 3, 2018 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.