Malabag lifts top weighlifting club

By JACK AMI
THE Hanuabada Weightlifting Club was given any early Independence anniversary present of K100,000 to boost its operations.
The big Motuan village in the National Capital District has built a reputation for churning out future prospects and weightlifting champions for the country.
On Monday, Moresby North-West MP and Health and HIV/Aids Minister Michael Malabag presented the cheque to the Hanuabada Weightlifting Club, following a commitment he made last year.
Malabag handed over the cheque to last year’s Commonwealth Games gold medallist Steven Kari, former weightlifter Rita Kari, their father Toua and Riku Miria, the wife of coach Douglas Mea, at his Aopi Centre office in Waigani.
Malabag said the funding was to continue the partnership and relationship with the village’s athletes and assist produce champions to represent Papua New Guinea at Pacific Games, Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games and other international events.
Malabag said that the same support would be given to the women’s weightlifting champion Dika Toua, who has her own club in Hanuabada. “This is a bonus for them as they are the first recipients of funds to develop and nurture the many potential talents at the village club into champions.”
On behalf of the club, (Rita) Kari thanked Malabag for fulfilling his commitment to them.
“This is a huge assistance by a local MP, who has recognised human resource development, especially at the grassroots level to improve the standard and quality of the athletes at coach Mea’s home-gym.
“Our club is committed to producing more champion athletes for the country at national and international championships.”