Longbut, Edward off to France for Para Athletics meet

PAPUA New Guinea para-athletes Dorna Longbut and Regina Edward are off to France to compete in the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships that starts on Saturday.
This follows BSP Financial Group Limited’s presentation of K73,425 to the PNG Paralympic Committee to cater for their participation.
BSP deputy retail general manager Peter Komon when presenting the cheque said, “BSP is proud of its continued association with sports in PNG.
“We believe that sport has the power to change our community and through our continued support, we can change lives, mindsets and communities.
“Our continued support to sports at all levels gives everyone including athletes with special categories an equal opportunity to achieve their sporting aspirations.
“Our core values of community, people and teamwork also encourages us to not just value but celebrate them and partnerships like this are part of how we practice our values.”
The pair, who will be accompanied by their coach, will be competing in the throws.
Dorna will be competing in javelin and shot-put while Regina will compete in shot-put and discus
Both athletes qualified through the World Para Athletics Minimal Standard Process, with neither of the two PNG Athletes requiring wildcard entries.
Dorna, 24, who recently won the best sportsperson with a disability in the 2023 SP Sports Award is expected to perform well at the international level and make World Top 8 for javelin and shot put.
PNG Paralympic Sports President Peter Curtain thanked BSP for the timely support saying: “we are pleased that BSP was able to come on board as a sponsor. Our athletes will do their best in their respective fields.”
The World Para Athletics Championships is scheduled for July 8-17.