NSI development team sends Wisil, Kinzu to grand prix

By PATRICIA KEAMO
TWO athletes from Goroka’s National Sports Institute development team will be competing in the Kimbe leg of the PNG Air Athletics Grand Prix Series this week, according to an official.
Institute director Janet Gimots told The National yesterday that upcoming sprinters Paias Wisil and Jobby Kinzu were already in Kimbe and would be joined today by coach Samu Sasama. “Paias and Jobby will be competing in the 100m, 200m and 400m,” she said.
“They might be competing in the relay events, but they’ll have to join other teams to make up the numbers.
“After the Grand Prix, they’ll remain in Kimbe and the rest of the team, including Toea Wisil, Sane Arui and Under-18 athlete Jonny Bai, will join them next week for the national championships.
“The coaching staff who will be assisting the team in the championships are Mike Smith and former athlete Geoffrey Bai.
“This year’s championships will be the first meet without United States-based athletes Jonathan Dende and Alphonse Igish.
“But it’s also an opportunity for Wisil and Kinzu to step up.
“Wisil will be the institute’s only female athlete competing, but we are hoping to identify other female talents in the championships.
“We wish the athletes the very best in the Grand Prix and championships.”
Meanwhile, Sasama has encouraged his athletes to set their targets and plan their races before competing.
The championships will also see selections made for next year’s Pacific Mini and Commonwealth Games, and the 2023 Pacific Games.