Gulf karate team to attend Manila event

By JIMMY KALEBE
THE Gulf karate team that did the province proud at last year’s PNG Games in Kimbe, West New Britain, are set to attend an international competition in Manila, Philippines, next month.
Team leader Sensei Rickinson Mekere said on Tuesday that two officials and four athletes would travel on Feb 28 and will participate in two days of coaching, refereeing and judging before the actual competition.
The athletes will compete in weight categories during the Nishimura Cup in Manila.
Mekere said the trip would cost the team K22,000.
“This trip is very important for the Gulf karate team as it is in preparation for the next PNG Games as well,” he said.
“Since it is important, we would try our best to attend the event in manila as it is part of our province’s preparation for next PNG Games in Mendi, Southern Highlands.”
Mekere said the team had won three gold, six silver and two bronze medals which helped Gulf to be placed ninth overall in the last PNG Games in Kimbe.
He appealed to companies and the Gulf provincial government to assist the team to travel to the Philippines for the international tournament.
Mekere said they have made a submission to the Gulf Provincial Sports Trust board seeking assistance and were still awaiting for a response.
“We are hoping for a postive respond from the Gulf sports custodian and other business houses that we have approached for sponsorship on this tournament in the Philippines towards the end of this month,” Mekere said.
The team is planning to attend four international events, three national competitions and two provincial championships.
Mekere said all nine events would cost about K190,000.
The team is currently in full training in preparation for these events before leaving for manila on Feb 28.