Kaputin completes programme

Rellie Kaputin, pictured, graduated from the West Texas A&M University in the United States after undergoing a four-and-half-year programme which has seen her complete her degree and compete as a track and field athlete.
Athletics Papua New Guinea president Tony Green attended the graduation ceremony along with a number of Kaputin’s fellow PNG athletes, including Sharon Kwarula — herself a graduate from the same university.
“Rellie’s parents couldn’t be there, so it was great to see many of her friends celebrate with her,” Green said in a statement.
“We are proud of Rellie for what she has achieved. She had to work incredibly hard to get this far.
“In PNG, a lot of people believe that students have to sacrifice their sporting endeavours to be successful in school.
“Rellie and Sharon have shown that with determination, hard work and sacrifice, the two can be combined.
“During her four-year collegiate athletics career, Kaputin won multiple national titles and many other awards.
“She also won three gold at the 2015 Pacific Games, and two gold and one silver at the Pacific Mini Games last year.
“She also set national records in the high, triple and long jump.
“Kaputin will remain in the United States for the summer before relocating to Australia in October where she will train with coach Phillip Newton.”
The statement said Kaputin’s focus was on the long jump, with the aim of qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
It said Athletics PNG and the PNG Olympic Committee were seeking a sponsor to support Kaputin in her endeavours.