Nowhere to run, play

By WENDY KATUSELE
SPORTS facing problems with institutions over use of their facilities for training are been urged to consult Minister for Sports Justin Tkatchenko for his assistance.
Several sports in Port Moresby have been hit hard with venues for athletes to train and conduct competitions unavailable due to construction work on these facilities in preparation for the 2015 Pacific Games.
Tkatchenko told The National last Thursday that any sports faced with that dilemma must consult his office.
Many sporting competitions in the city have either been or will be affected with venues being pulled down for construction work or closed for future development.
“Come and see me if they (sports) have a problem, our athletes are also a priority if we are to win medals,” Tkatchenko said.
He asked institutions to be tolerant and not turn athletes away but help where possible.
While much focus is on the re-construction of facilities, preparations of PNG’s  athletes was equally important, he said.
Track and field a sport which has a reputation of winning a bulk of Team PNG’s medal is already feeling the effects of being refused use of the University of PNG oval.
Elite athletes who are members of the Port Moresby Athletics Association cannot use the UPNG oval as efforts to reach some understanding with the institution’s authorities have failed.
They have instead been forced to the Jack Pidik Park where the hard surface is unsuitable for elite athletes as it increases the chances of injury.
Athletics officials nor the UPNG administration were unavailable for comments yesterday.
Softball, netball, rugby league, soccer, handball, swimming weightlifting, volleyball and basketball are the other sports faced with venue issues.
Some such as rugby league have secured alternate venues such as Murray Barracks while others are still searching.