President Tony Green said that the team will be looking for a strong showing at the Games as a result of the programmes that have been in place through the last two years. Whilst many sports have been badly affected by venue closures especially in Port Moresby, athletics have been able to keep its squad members in shape by establish training groups in various centres including Kerowagi , Goroka, Kansas (USA) and Lae. The World Athletics funded training programme for the 2023 World Cross Country Championships combined with support from PNG Air and Prima Smallgoods has been very good for the middle and long distance group.There are a small number of athletes with injury concerns who are being monitored, and one athlete currently undergoing rehab may be added subject to proving fitness to compete. Plans are in place for the PNG based team members together with a small number of development squad members to attend the Oceania Championships which will be held in Mackay Queensland from June 7 to 9. A number of para athletes are also being considered for the Games and their selection is expected to be finalised by the end of this month when the classification process and the necessary consultations are complete. Head Coach Brett Green flew into the country on Monday to spend this week in Goroka with the coaches and PNG based team members. The camp has several aims including team bonding, planning the final and more specific period of training and encouraging focus and goal setting .The eight member management and the coaching team includes a mix of experienced coaches from both Australia and PNG and two coaches getting their first International assignment (Nelson Stone and Malcolm Limbai)
Last Modified on 26/04/2022 21:18