Athletics PNG has named a final team of 22 male and 16 female athletes to the forthcoming Pacific Mini Games in Wallis & Futuna. The track and field athletic competition will be held over four days from September 3 to 6.
The team is a blend of experienced and younger athletes being developed for the 2015 Games and includes 22 athletes who competed at the 2011 Games in Noumea and nine from the 2007 Games.
The medal hunt will be spearheaded by elite athletes Toea Wisil , Mowen Boino , Betty Burua and Nelson stone who were all gold medallists in Noumea 2011.
Apart from the established elite athletes there are four female and five male athletes selected to represent their country for the first time. The girls are Rellie Kaputin and Annie Topal from East New Britain for the jumps and for the long distance events Monica Miugle and Maryanna Peter from Simbu. First timers in the mens team are Kaminiel Matlaun (East New Britain) for the 400m and 800m ; Manuai Kenas (POM) and Raymond Koniel (New Ireland) for the 400m hurdles ; Ben Levi from Wabag for the jumps and Solomon Susame (Wewak) as reserve for the mens 4*100m relay team .
Athletics PNG President Tony Green said this would be the largest PNG Athletic team ever to attend an international event, surpassing the 33 member team that attended the 1993 Games in Vanuatu.
Team officials will be Sophia Marai as Manageress, John Baining as Head Coach and Sprints assisted by Subul Babo (Sprints); Bernard Manau (mens distance); Paul Komba (womens distance) and Sandy Katusele (Jumps).
Last Modified on 01/08/2013 18:10