Former paralympic powerlifter Harabe encourages students

By LARRY ANDREW
FORMER Papua New Guinea Paralympic powerlifter Timothy Harabe says anyone, including those living with a disability, can achieve their sporting goals if they remain disciplined and committed.
The Tari native, who competed in the 2012 London Paralympic Games, said that during the launching of a National Rugby League Papua New Guinea (NRLPNG) mini and modified rugby league schools competition in Lae on Saturday.
The competition will involve students from Markham Road Primary, Huonville, St Pauls, St Marys, Gantom, Milfordhaven and Omili.
Harabe said anyone could become somebody through sports.
He said living with a disability did not stop him from chasing his Paralympic dream.
“I’m happy that you children want to compete in rugby league,” he told the students who attended the launching.
“One day, you could go on to represent the country.
“If you listen to your parents, teachers and trainers, you will be somebody wearing the PNG Kumuls or Orchids jersey to represent the country in rugby league.
“You will become like PNG legends Stanley Gene and Marcus Bai, and Kumuls centre Justin Olam.
“Discipline, commitment and respect is key for any aspiring athlete.
“By listening to your parents, teachers and trainers, you too can be like those who have gone on to represent the country through rugby league.”
During his prime, Harabe attended the Arafura Games, Powerlifting World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Asian Powerlifting Championships and Paralympic Games. He also holds the Oceania powerlifting record in para-sports and is the inaugural recipient of the South Pacific (SP) Sports Awards best sportsperson with a disability gong.