Athletes begin training to become leaders

THE third batch of Team Papua New Guinea athletes began their training in the PNG Olympic Committee’s Hero programme in Port Moresby on Monday.
The week long programme will equip participants with skills in public speaking, presentation, professional conduct and the running of programmes.
According to a statement, the participants become leaders in planning, organising and the of running of sessions on the Olympic Values Education Programme (Ovep) and other initiatives.
The Ovep promotes the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) values of excellence, friendship and respect, with the athletes expressing that through their own experiences.
Coordinator Milton Kisapai said the programme, which started in 2016, had been running with over 30 athletes from the first two batches now leading initiatives in schools, communities and sporting groups throughout the country.
“The idea is to use Team PNG athletes to deliver the message of good values, which can be used in all aspects of life,” Kisapai said.
“Each athlete has their own story and through this programme, they can share their experiences to inspire PNG citizens to become role models.”
PNG Olympic Committee deputy secretary-general Andrew Lepani said the training would help the athletes become more confident.