Aliel, Hure return to US

OCEANIA Australia Foundation-sponsored track and field athletes Benjamin Aliel and Roland Hure left for the United States yesterday after a 10-month interruption to their programme due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aliel was midway through his final semester last year when the federation, in consultation with South Western Community College and relevant national bodies, made the decision to bring its Pacific Island students home.
Hure was in the first year of his two-year programme.
Aliel said he was looking forward to completing his studies, a sentiment also expressed by Hure.
Athletics PNG president Tony Green thanked the organisations and individuals, including foundation executive officer Helen McMurray, who arranged for the return of the athletes.
He also thanked the US embassy for facilitating visa interviews and Air Niugini for travel advice and assistance.
“The athletes have a long journey to the US, which is the result of very limited flight options at this time,” Green said in a statement yesterday.
“Many travellers are being routed via Doha on Qatar Airways due to the restrictions on travelling to Sydney and Melbourne which have more flights to the US ,and this was the route chosen for the athletes.”