Bring on Games

 WITH less than a month to go, Team PNG’s preparations are going well before they leave for the 2013 Mini Pacific Games in Wallis and Futuna.

Chef de Mission, Richard Kassman said that the accreditation for Team athletes and officials – an important part of phase one of the preparations, has been completed.

He said some of the eight sports taking part in the Mini Games have been participating in international competitions, mostly in Australia, and training camps as build up for the September event.

“A local canoeing club comprising more than a handful of the PNG’s Va’a team members arrived last week from Cairns.

“The Taekwondo and rugby teams are currently in Australia also for build up competitions and training and the weightlifting team returned from the Oceania Championships staged in Brisbane last month (July) where they did exceptionally well,” Kassman said.

He said team managers, coaches and athletes must be aware of the dates and attend the meetings or events in the few remaining weeks before leaving for the Games. 

An important meeting for the General Team Management, team managers, coaches and captains will be held on Saturday to further discuss issues regarding preparations.  

The August schedule is as:

• Saturday Aug 10; Meeting for GMT, team managers, coaches and captains at PNGOC boardroom; 10am-1.00pm.
• Saturday August 17; Team bonding; 9am-midday at Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex;
• Saturday August 24; Uniform distribution at the PNGOC office; times to be advised; and
• Thursday August 29; Team farewell at Gateway Hotel; 6pm-8.30pm.

The General Team Manager John Susuve and the Press Attaché Thomas Hukahu will be travelling a week earlier to prepare for Team PNG’s arrival.  

Susuve said it would be a big challenge for logistics on ground and his advance mission should be able to confirm what would actually be available there.  

Any queries can be directed to PNG Olympic Committee office phones: 325 1411/323 0114/325 1449.