Clubs ready for Southern region athletics c’ship

By PATRICIA KEAMO
ATHLETES from various clubs and schools in Port Moresby are gearing up for the PNG Air Southern region athletics championship starting tomorrow at the Sir John Guise Stadium.
A team from Central is expected to join the Port Moresby-based athletes as well as a few national representative athletes.
Athletics PNG president Tony Green said the federation would be observing the two-day event for potential talents for its development squad.
The field and track events start tomorrow and runs through till the finals on Sunday afternoon.
In the senior events, Leroy Kamau from Nest athletics club will be competing in the 100m and 200m.
The highlight of the weekend is expected to be the competition between long distance runners Siune Kagl and Aquila Turalom in the 1500m and 3000m events.
Kagl is hoping to get some race practice ahead of the Oceania 10km Championships in Burnie, Tasmania, Australia next month.
Turalom, who ran an impressive 1500m last weekend in East New Britain (New Guinea Islands championship), will be expected to continue his form especially after a thrilling finish in the 3000m with Israel Takap. De’bono Paraka will take part in the throwing events along with para-athletes and able-bodied throw group athletes that have been training under coach Paul Bannister.
Edna Boafob and Scholastica Herman are primed to add quality to the event continuing their form from the NGI championship last weekend.
Meanwhile, former track sensation and founder of Nest athletics club Nelson Stone said 15 of his athletes were primed for the event.
“The main aim for us is to get some race fitness to see where we are and improve better for the Nationals (championship) in December,” Stone told The National yesterday.
“Leeroy Kamau will be in action in 100m and 200m sprints after taking out (100m winner) the NGI championships in Kokopo last week.
“Ben Aliel (2017 mini Pacific Games 400m champion) will be making his comeback under my coaching after being sidelined due to some off field issues.
“He’s looking strong and sharp to make a statement back in the 400m event. Our young athlete Chabby Solomon as well as Sammy Burua Nest and our girls are looking forward to a good hit out.
“61 year-old Rachel Laing is also competing this weekend in preparation for her Pan Masters Games Australia in November.”