Noumea—for

A 12½ mile swim off Noumea—for adventure's sake

From a Noumea correspondent Three young Caledonian swimmers recently undertook an

adventurous exploit in swimming

from the Amedee lighthouse, across the lagoon off Noumea, to Anse Vata beach, a distance of 12i miles.

They were Andre Bargibant and brothers, Jean-Yves and Jean-Pierre Mamelin. Competitors at the Port Moresby South Pacific Games last August may remember that the Mamelin brothers were in the win ning Caledonian 4 by 100 metre free style relay team. Jean-Yves also won both the 100 metre and 200 metre freestyle events, creating new Games records on both occasions.

On their swim from the Amedee lighthouse, the three Caledonians were accompanied by several boats with supporters and also several other swimmers who undertook to accompany them. These latter, though having the advantage of flippers, were, however, forced to give up.

Coaching in US

The three champions completed the distance in 7i hours, much to the delight of an enthusiastic young crowd awaiting their arrival at Anse Vata.

Meanwhile, two other young swimmers flew to Los Angeles in May for a three week training ses sion with American coach, Peter Daland. Young Marlene Manner and Dolores Anewy were accompanied by their Caledonian coach, Jacques Mouren.

The girls were joined in their training by members of the French national team. Marlene’s elder sister Simone Manner, had earlier flown to France to swim with the national team. ® The Cook Islands, which were not represented at the Third South Pacific Games in Port Moresby last year, are to send their biggest ever contingent to the Fourth Games in neighbouring Tahiti. The Cook Islands Sports Association has decided that 84 athletes will take part in seven events, the majority in athletics, Rugby and basketball. The team will cost about $lO,OOO to send and fund raising activities have already started.