By Agnes M. Abrau

For Variety

KOROR (Palau Horizon) — The Patris twins — Alexandrina and Alexandra — have been picked to represent the Pacific Islands in the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in January 2005. The twins’ excellent performance and records at previous international competitions have qualified them for the youth Olympics. “They were selected to represent the whole Pacific,” said Steven Patris, the twins’ coach and father. Alexandrina will compete in the 63 kg weight class while Alexandra will pit in the 58-kg weight class. Countries such as South Africa, U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Palau will participate in the event.

In Fiji in 2003, Patris’ girls won one gold each in the South Pacific Games, one for the senior category and the other, junior level. Alexandrina won two silver in the recently-concluded Oceania Championship for senior and junior categories while Alexandra bagged one silver for junior category and one bronze for senior category.

The girls have been practicing for the event two hours each day, five days a week. “The girls have never missed a day to practice since 2001,” Patris said. Joining them in the practice is their younger brother, Stevick, 13 who is being groomed to become another champion in weightlifting. The girls, 15, will be accompanied by their coach, Loryann Belargo for the event. A fundraising activity to cover some of their expenses will be held. Patris said he thanks Polycarp Basilius and Alan Seid for their donations for the trip.

In May 2005, the girls will also compete in the Australia Junior Championship and Arafura Games. “My goal is to get these girls to the level of world champions or the Olympics level,” their father said.