East Sepik’s seven-man team capable of winning medals: Coach

EAST Sepik have brought seven athletes and an official to participate in the PNG Air National Athletics Championships this weekend, athletics coach and vice-president Malcolm Limbai says.
“The athletes will be competing in sprints, middle distance and field events (throw) in the open division, Under-18 and U16,” Limbai said.
“Our aim is to do our best and bring back medals with quality performances.”
Limbai said the association was supposed to send three officials and 13 athletes however, due to financial constraints, only seven athletes and an official could travel to Port Moresby.
“The team were sent on a one-way ticket with no funds for food or accommodation as our cheque from the provincial government was not cleared in time.
“We have prepared this team since March and the management saw that the team were potentially qualified to bring back medals with quality performance.
“We have produced national athletes like Isila Apkup and Emmanuel Anis who are in the United States.”
East Sepik’s struggles in sourcing finances to compete in the annual event was something other provinces face most notably West Sepik and Western’s sole participants among others.
Athletics PNG is expected to source talents from the championship for Team PNG in upcoming international competitions including the World Cross Country Championship, Youth Olympic Games and the Pacific Games.