By ZACHERY PER
PNG’s top long distant runner Sapolai Yao is the subject of a tussle between two provincial teams seeking his services at the third PNG National Games in Lae this month.
The tug-of-war is between the team from his province of origin Team Simbu and Team Eastern Highlands.
Simbu Sports Council chairman Arnold Giglmai yesterday denied a report in The National by Eastern Highlands Athletics team manager Philip Kamane that Yao would lead Team Eastern Highlands with young gold medallist Poro Gahekave.
Giglmai said Yao has nominated to compete in the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres for Team Simbu and not for Team Eastern Highlands as reported.
He expressed dissatisfaction over the comments of Kamane over Yao saying that the sensational gold medalist athlete hails from Simbu’s remote Karamui district.
However, Team Simbu which has nominated to contest in 10 sporting codes needs more funds to send a squad of 200 athletes and team officials to the Games.
Gigmai appealed yesterday appealed to their MPs and prominent Simbus living in Port Moresby and other centres to come forword to bail them out.
He said they had elite athletes mainly youths representing the six districts in the province.
PNG Games Council secretary Peter Aglua, who was the guest of honor at the fundraising dinner at Mt.Wilhelm Hotel last Friday, said that the PNG Games concept involved the 20 provincial governments who are stakeholders to show case the sporting talent of their youths in the largest sporting competition in the South Pacific region.
He thanked the few business houses and government departments who pledged contributions in cash and kind. They are TNA, Mt Wilhelm Hotel, Bomai Hair Shallon and a Stationery Shop.
Government departments were Finance and Treasury, Works, Kerowagi district administration, Kundiawa district administration and Kundiawa Day high school.
A total of K6,500 was raised which was insufficient to send a team which has a survival budget of K120,000.
The Simbu Administration and Governor Fr John Garia expect to see Simbu excel at the Games but have yet to pledge their financial support.
However, Fr Garia was denied entry at the fundraising at Mt Wilhelm Hotel when he was at the entrance to officiate the event.
Meanwhile, Simbu star athletes Yao and Skene Kiagi are expected to lead Team Simbu at the Games, they already bagged four gold medals in the men’s distance events.
Team Simbu manger Gerea Kila invite elite Simbu athletes in boxing and body building in other major centers return to represent their province. He can be contacted on Bee Mobile 6988530 and Digicel 72234726 or Joe Gigmai Phone/ fax 735 1292.