Athletes to end season in Kokopo

 ATHLETES around the country are gearing up for the climax of the domestic season with the national championships in Kokopo from July 12-14.

 Teams are expected to travel from West New Britain, New Ireland, Morobe, Madang, Eastern Highlands, Enga, Simbu, NCD, East Sepik, Western and possibly other provinces as well a large team from East New Britain. 

A full range of events will be conducted in the open and Under-18 divisions. For the U16 division there will be 100m, 200m 400m, 800m long jump, high jump and javelin. 

For the first time there will be events for U14 athletes, with 100m, 200m and 400m.

 “This is to cater for the high level of interest in East New Britain and New Ireland,” Athletics PNG president Tony Green said. Both events are being supported by Nestle PNG under its Milo brand.

“We are hopeful of being able to stage the event at the Takubar sports ground,” Green (pictured) said.

“But if there’s a lot of rain in the days leading up to the championship the ground may not be firm enough for the athletes to gain a good grip. In this case we will revert to the second choice venue, which is Ulapia, venue for the 2012 PNG Games.”  

Athletes preparing for the championship will have the opportunity of a good lead up competition with the New Guinea Islands Regional Championships being staged at Utu Secondary School, Kavieng, from July 4-6.

 “This event will cater for open, U18, U16 and U14 divisions and the programme will be the same as the nationals except there will be no 10,000m, no steeplechase and no heptathlon or octathlon,” 

He said Athletics PNG planned to bring as many national squad athletes as possible to Kavieng and Kokopo. 

Member associations and coaches wanting details should Subul Babo on 71066060.