Bodybuilding names 16-member training squad

 THE national bodybuilding federation has announced a 16-member training squad for the Pacific Games in July. 

Federation president Cosmas Han­nrtte, pictured,  said the squad that consists of 12 men and four women was a mix of experience, those plucked from the PNG Games and those who had been consistent with their performance on the national and international stage.

 He said the team would be led by notable heavies in the likes of Donald Kaiwi (former two-time South Pacific champion), Jack Viyufa (2014 Asia-Pacific champion), Mark Donald (2014 U70kg Singapore champion), Wilfred Korua (former South Pacific gold medallist and Steve Bomal, the reigning Mr PNG,

Hannette said the Games would only allow a single participant per category and that was why they had based their selection on experience and the addition of five men and two  women’s reserves.

He said out of the 16-member squad they would select a final squad of eight men and two women who would contest in their weight categories in the Pacific Games.

Hannette said the other members of the squad were expected to arrive in Port Moresby from outside centres by Saturday for the training camp that would run until the Games start on July 4.

He said they would continue to train in Port Moresby until June when they go for their final trial to be held during the Asia Pacific Championship in Australia.

“The Asia Pacific Championship will be used to monitor the progress and performance of our athletes.

“We have these seven reserves that we put to train with the senior athletes to gain confidence and exposer as part of their building up.

“If they perform to the expectations during the championship then the door is open for them to make it into the final squad. “On the other hand, I would like to thank our financiers, particularly PNGOC and other supporting vendors like the Murray Barracks Gym management headed by Cecil Davani and team who had been so supportive during our endeavour in the bodybuilding arena.

“And I believe they will continue supporting the team for the remaining months until the Games start,” he said.

The training squad: Men: Mark Donald, Jiwaka,U65kg; Iso Finsh, NCD, U70kg; Selan Jim, EHP, U70kg (reserve); Jack Viyufa, NCD,   U75kg; Steve Bomal, Simbu, U80kg; Rexford Viyufa, EHP, U75kg and U/80kg (reserve); Wilfred Korua,  Morobe, U85kg; Donald Kaiwi, NCD, U90kg; Pascal Sabin,  AROB, 90kg+; Rex Tonga, Jiwaka, 90kg+ (reserve); Michael Mondo, NCD,  U105kg (reserve); Michael Rubi, NCD, U105kg (reserve).

Women: Misa Avefa, EHP, U56kg; Elizabeth Siala, Central, U56kg (reserve); Pau Moses, Morobe, 56kg+; Hellen Kit, Jiwaka, 56kg+ (reserve).

Team management: Tony Joseph Sipa, manager; Dorothy Eliakim, women’s manageress; Imbak Wiape, assistant manager; Alphonse Benny, coach; Ale Yegiora, trainer.