Bodybuilding squad to be named

Sports

THE Papua New Guinea Bodybuilding Federation will be announcing a train-on-squad for the South Pacific Bodybuilding Championship in the Solomon Islands from Oct 26-29.
Federation vice-president Jacob Kom said the selection would be made from associations in the country.
Kom urged all body builders in the country to train under their respective associations to keep in form to impress the selectors during the final showcase, which will be a selection trial for the team to travel to the Solomon Islands.
He said in 2016 they were unable to attend the South Pacific Championship in Tahiti due to financial constraints.
“Our absence last year was a disappointment to the organisers of the event as they were looking forward to Team PNG’s appearance because PNG once won the South Pacific championship,” Kom said.
“However, this year we are looking forward to attend the South Pacific Championships in Solomon Islands in October as we always wanted to compete at a higher level.
“Bodybuilding is one of the medal winning sporting codes at international events over the years  — the latest being the 2015 Pacific Games in which bodybuilding fielded 12 competitors.
“We now seek sponsorship from corporate and businesshouses to send athletes to attend the South Pacific Championships to vie for the Mr South Pacific 2017 Title.
Kom thanked the past sponsors like Goodman Fielder International, Panamex Limited under its Anchor milk brand, NGCB, individuals and bodybuilding fans around the country who tirelessly supported the code.
“We also extend our thanks to PNG Olympic Committee, High Performance Sport PNG, PNG Sports Foundation and Murray Barracks gym for allowing our athletes to train,” he said.
Kom is confident that the PNG Bodybuilding Federation will secure a long-term sponsorship from business houses or corporate bodies for the 2017 season.