Hockey seeking funding support ahead of U18 Oceania Championships

By ISAAC LIRI
WITH three weeks remaining before the Under-18 Oceania Championships in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Hockey is in need of funding.
President Kaluwin Potuan said the National Capital District Commission, Big Rooster and Pro Valuers had so far pledged their support, with other entities yet to respond to their proposals.
Kaluwin said it was important for the event to receive corporate support because the championships would serve as a qualifier for the Youth Olympics in Argentina in October.
“We need corporate support to ensure the event is successful,” Kaluwin said.
He said the athletes taking part in the championships had a good chance of qualifying for the Youth Olympics.
The event will be launched at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby today.
The selection trials for the event will start on Saturday and end on Monday.
The train-on group will split into two teams each for male and female, with the selectors to finalise the squad of nine a side and two reserves.
“We decided to have the selection trials this weekend because it is the appropriate time considering that all the athletes are students,” Kaluwin said.
“After the trials, the final teams go into camp in Port Moresby.”
The final team are expected to arrive for the camp on April 21.
Countries taking part include Australia, Vanuatu, Tonga and the Solomon Islands, while Fiji pulled out due to Cyclone Josie.