Tekabara Raurenti says being recognised for his service to athletics in Oceania has only encouraged him to work harder.
The Secretary General of the Kiribati Athletics Association was this week presented with an Oceania Athletics Association Merit Award, recognising distinguished service to athletics in the Oceania Area for a period of at least eight years.
Patrick Bower and Joseph Rodan Jnr from Fiji were also recognised, along with New Zealand's Don Mackenzie.
Tekabara Raurenti began competing while still at school and represented Kiribati at regional and international level.
Secretary-General of the Kiribati Athletics Association Tekabara Raurenti. Photo: Kiribati Athletics Association
He said his proudest achievement as an athlete was setting the national record in both the discus and shot-put.
He also coaches throws, middle and long distance and is a lecturer in kids' athletics said the Oceania award has inspired him to do even more.
"It's a wake-up call for me as well, trying to be more active and see things that will be good for the development of the athlete of the future. Even though I was give this award but to me it was [a reminder to come up with new] ideas and look forward to what would be good for the athletes in Kiribati."
Tekabara Raurenti said Kiribati is hoping to send two athletes to the Rio Olympics later this year.
