Mini Games contingent named

OLYMPIAN Rellie Kaputin and Pacific sprint champion Toea Wisil headline a contingent of 19 male and 14 female nominees for next year’s Pacific Mini Games in the Northern Marianas.
They were named in the first round of selections following the PNG Air National Track and Field Championships in Kimbe, West New Britain, earlier this month, and the Grand Prix Series in Port Moresby (July) and Kimbe (November).
“This early selection has been necessitated due to limited major competition opportunities during the first quarter of next year and final nominations being due in April,” Athletics Papua New Guinea (APNG) president Tony Green said in statement yesterday.
“These selections place the listed athletes on notice that they need to remain focused, continue with their training commitment and be well prepared for final selection trials to be held during March and April.”
He said squad members not included in this first round of selections now had time to demonstrate improved performances to gain selection prior to the entry deadline.
“Discussions will be held with individual athletes to clarify any questions that may arise from the current selections,” Green said.
The contingent has been nominated to the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC).
The initial selections include a total of 11 athletes who are based in the United States (US) along with athletes based in the National Capital District, Central, Lae, Goroka (National Sports Institute), Chimbu, East New Britain and West New Britain.
Green said provision had been made for additional selections next year.
“Selectors will be targeting events where limited selections have been made and in particular will be targeting the hurdles and the distance running events,” he said.
“Final selection for the men’s 200m and 400m is expected to be very competitive and the final three nominees will be determined after considering the indoor competition results in the US during January and February.
“There are many events where only one or two athletes have been named.
“Hence, there is scope to add further athletes who perform well and prove themselves worthy of selection prior to the April deadline.”
Green said APNG was hoping to stage trials for the 3,000m steeplechase in March.
“However, this will depend on funding as it requires identified athletes being flown to Port Moresby,” he said.
“A half marathon trial is also planned for Lae no later than the first week of April.
“Nominations for team management and coaching positions are going through the process of review and endorsed by PNGOC, and an announcement will be made early next year.”
Nominees: Leroy Kamau (100m, 200m, 4x100m), Emannuel Anis (100m, 4x100m), Paias Wisil (100m, 4x100m), Terrence Talio (200m, 4x100m), Alphonse Igish (4×100), Daniel Baul (400m, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, 4x400m), Emmanuel Wanga (400m, 4x400m), Jonathan Dende (4x400m), Ephraim Lerkin (400m hurdles, 800m), Adolf Kauba (800m), George Yamak (1,500m), Aquila Turalom (1,500m, 3,000m steeplechase), Abel Siune (3,000 steeplechase), Dilu Goiye (5,000m, 10,000m), Siune Kagl (5,000m, 10,000m), Eldan Toti (long jump, high jump), Peniel Richard (long jump, high jump, triple jump), Karo Iga (octathlon, high jump), Lakona Gerega (javelin), Toea Wisil (100m, 200m, relays), Isila Apkup (200m, 400m, relays), Leonie Beu (200m, 400m, relays), Monica Korowi (100m, 4x100m), Adrine Monagi (100m hurdles, 4x100m), Edna Boafob (heptathlon, 400m hurdles), Annie Topal (long jump, triple jump), Scholastica Herman (1,500m), Aina Goir (1,500m), Mary Kua (1,500m) Mary Tenge (5,000m, 3,000m steeplechase), Rellie Kaputin (long jump, triple jump), Sharon Toako (javelin, discus), Jackie Travertz (hammer).