Thirty (30) swimmers are expected to turn up for the Pacific Mini Games trials at the Damodar Aquatic Centre in Suva, this Saturday.

This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by team manager Cheyanne Rova.

“They (swimmers) all know the selection criteria and they’ve been briefed about it and so everyone’s working on achieving that,” she said.

“We’re hoping to send a strong team that can bring back some medals. Everyone’s been preparing really hard and its showing in the time that they’ve been producing from the start of the year until now.”

Rova was excited to see the potential outcome the swimmers would showcase at the trials.

“We’re working to select 16 swimmers, eight girls and eight boys.

“According to our selection criteria, they are going to be about 50 per cent that are below 18 and under. That’s according to the Pacific Game’s council charter.”

Rova is hopeful that their final squad to the Pacific Mini Games in Palau will make the country proud.

“We have an extended team list right now. I would say about 30 swimmers or less that are going to be at the trials,” she said.

“Our trial for the Pacific Mini Games is short course.”

In an earlier interview with SUNsports Rova said she was aware of the environment that the swimmers are conditioned to in preparation for tournaments.

“It’s my first time as a manager as I’ve just come out being an athlete not too long ago.

“My expectations are not expectations I would not put on them in terms of performance as I expect them to be respectful in the way of how they approach their training.”

Rova said the extended squad to the Pacific Mini Games would be a young team.

“Everyone has been training hard, and the team is excited about what they are doing right now.

“I just expect all of them to show up ready to race and just do their best.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj