Kulame in top 15

BODYBUILDER Joe Kulame breezed through the elimination round to make the top 15 in the world at the World Bodybuilding Championships in South Korea over the weekend.
Kulame, competing in the U65kg weight division, made the most of it on the first day of the competition. He awaits a final decision from the international judging panel to qualify for the final six and have a crack at the championship.
Even though he was inexperienced the performance was his best as he received praises from the IFBB judge and South Pacific Bodybuilding vice-president Philip Hope.
Hope said that Kulame had a more impressive “front double bicep” pose than his Brazilian competitor.
Two other PNG competitors Wilfred Kurua and Jack Viufa competed in the U75 category which was the toughest division with the highest number of athletes.
According to a statement from the PNG Bodybuilding Federation (PNGBBF), both had very professional displays of body posing but narrowly missed out on the final 15.
PNGBBF vice-president and international judge Ronald Haihavu said the competition was very tough. Competitive nations like Australia and New Zealand also struggled to make the top 15
“Athletes from Europe and the Middle East with all the resources and support at their disposal are very hard to beat.
Kurua and Viufa were both positive about the experience and exposure gained at the championships. Both appeared even more determined to come back bigger and better next year.
Team PNG arrives in the country on Thursday to prepare for the Mr PNG title during the PNG Games in Lae next month.

City aid for Nines

THE departmental and government statutory bodies head should seriously look into taking part sporting activities to enable to keep them fit when carrying out their daily duties.
Team NCD general manager Hoank Kiap made these comments while witnessing the presentation of NCD’s cheque of K1,700 by Deputy City Manager Robin Yanopa to Sportbiz managing director Ivan Ravu for the Corporate Nines competition.
Ravu through his company is organising the sport tournament which have already attracted 12 companies or teams.
Kiap said NCDC management has given its support by allowing its staff to participate in such sporting activities.
Ravu said he came up with the Corporate Nines after close observation on the behaviour and the lifestyle of workforce in NCD.
The main objective of the competition is to encourage employers to take part in the physical activities and also interact amongst the employers of different organisations.

Thirteen qualify to come
THIRTEEN provinces have qualified to participate in the Third PNG Games Council in Lae next month.
PNG Games Host Organising Committee media and publicity officer David Haro said the 13 provinces have paid their K1,000 affiliation fees.
The provinces that have paid in their affiliation fees include Morobe, Oro, East Sepik, Western, Manus, Eastern Highlands, Simbu, Bougainville Autonomous Region, Central, New Ireland, West New Britain, East New Britain and National Capital District,” Haro said.
“The provinces that have not complied with the PNG Games council charter to pay in their affiliation fees are Gulf, Southern Highlands and Sandaun provinces and they are given until the end of this week to pay their affiliation fees or they will not be eligible to take part in the PNG Games,” he added.
Gulf has paid K600 but Sandaun and Southern Highlands have not paid anything. They have been given until this week to pay up.
Milne Bay will not be participating because it will be hosting its Kula Festival about the same time.
Haro reminded all the provinces to pay in their K5 registration fees and to send in the names of all the athletes and the technical officials to the host organising committee for accreditation upon arrival in Lae.
“No persons living outside of their provinces are allowed to represent their provinces in any sporting activities such as bowling or athletics as it is against the PNG Games Council Charter and we appeal to all the provinces to be mindful of the eligibility of people representing their provinces in all the 17 sporting events,” he said.
He can be reached on mobile number 6537404 for further information regarding the qualifications, affiliations and registration of athletes and technical officials.

Winning run for distiller
FAIRDEAL on Sunday continued their winning recorded their second win of the season after beating Kina in the premier division clash of Private Companies Netball competition at Rita Flynn’s court in Port Moresby
The liquor makers never look back as they led from the start to finish with a 22 points victory over the opponent who just managed 14 points.
Brian Bell after their first loss last weekend bounced back to beat reigning champions, Bank South Pacific by five points, 25-20.
Led by veteran Lucy Emboge, Brian Bell dig deep into their pocket to ensure they win the match.
In the early games, Westpac lost to NTIL 21-16 even though they had PNG netball captain Mona-Lisa Leka in their line-up while in the second game, STC Finance beat Moore 28-12.
In the Division One game, PNGSFOC edged out No. Sup 22-21, LBC proved too strong for GFI 22-16, Daltron disconnected AHC 28-11 and Datec beat Kenmore 21-13.

Appeal to rebuild gym
VETERAN bodybuilder is seeking financial assistance to rebuild a fitness gymnasium.
John Waglep, of Simbu province, wants interested stakeholders assist in relocating his gym which was demolished in August last year due to road works along the Simbu-Eastern Highlands border.
This has placed the Simbu bodybuilders with nil resort for training in preparation for the PNG National Games in Lae next month.
Waglep said that bodybuilders and other who train at the gym now have nowhere for fitness training and have been seeking other avenues.
“We have five bodybuilders including myself to represent the province at the PNG Games. I have been training in Port Moresby but the others are doing what they can to keep them selves fit with the right diet for the Lae Games,” Waglep said.
He said the Kerengawau Fitness Centre has served the surrounding Kerowagi community for the past 16 years. Thorough it PNG has produced some prominent bodybuilders like Joe Kulame who is now participating at the World titles in Korea.
“I want assistance so we can relocate the fitness centre as I have to prepare for the South Pacific titles next year,” Waglep said.
Meanwhile, fitness training and diet has kept in well for Waglep and he hopes to make a good mark during the PNG Games next month. He has admitted that preparation for the Mr PNG titles was not that good but the six times Mr PNG said to do his best show in the other events.