Ironman rescues two athletes

 A SPORTS group has come to the rescue of the struggling team of athletes from East Sepik preparing to attend the Athletics National Championships later this week.

Sepik Ironman representatives presented two airline tickets for two athletes last Friday at the Wewak Stadium after the team’s training session.

Sepik Ironman executive officer Gilbert Sarry said the tickets were return fares for two athletes — Isilia Apkup and Jonatus Suagu — from Wewak to Lae.

Sarry said his group was impressed with Apkup’s performance in seeing her train, as well as winning the bronze in 400m sprint in last year’s PNG Games in Lae.

Suagu will be running in the 100m and 200m events.

“Sepik Ironman has helped athletics and other sports in the past, as well as schools and other social initiatives,” Sarry said.

“This is not the first time for us to reach out and help such groups.”

However, the whole team still needs help from individuals and business houses to assist with the travel fares and accommodation of their trainer and other athletes. 

Trainer Malcolm Limbai said yesterday that he was thankful to Sepik Ironman its the help.

He said he and two other athletes might be travelling by sea if no one stepped in to help with the air fares.  They will be leaving on Wednesday for Madang and then from there, travel to Lae. Those interested to help the team can contact Limbai on 73625950.