22 athletes set for debut

By SULI SULI
TWENTY-Two Team Papua New Guinea athletes will debut in Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the United Kingdom this week.
Team PNG manager Gorethy Semmy said the recent Pacific Mini Games had set a platform for most of the athletes.
“Everyone is going there to do their best,” she said on Friday.
“Twenty-two of them are first time to attend while the rest are making their second or third Games appearance. Some went to the Mini Games and returned to training, so we hope they will do their best.”
Among the debutants are Feanor Siaguru and athletics representatives Leonie Beu and Isila Apkup.
Siaguru will compete in squash along with Madako Suari Jr while sprinters Beu and Apkup will compete in the 200m and women’s 4x100m.
Siaguru and Suari have been training in Singapore in preparation for Commonwealth Games.
Beu and Apkup have been preparing at the National Sports Institute in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, after their return from the Mini Games.
“I’m a bit nervous, but looking forward to it,” Siaguru said.
“I can’t wait to see what’s out there for me.”
Apkup said: “I’m privileged and excited to go attend the Commonwealth Games. “I will do my best.”
Meanwhile, Semmy said Team PNG will be split into two groups during their stay in Birmingham.
“Weightlifting, table tennis and boxing athletes will be allocated in one Games village,” she said.
“The swimming, squash and athletics teams will be based at the University of Birmingham, so the general management team will also be split to oversee the two groups.”