Oceania Athletics Association delivers starter’s course in Goroka

The Oceania Athletic Association delivered a starters course at the National Sports Institute (NSI) in Goroka over the weekend for 16 participants from around the region and Papua New Guinea.
The NSI provided an ideal venue for the course, and this, combined with perfect weather and a competition for the participants to practice what they were being taught, made it a hugely enjoyable and successful weekend for all involved.
Athletics PNG president Tony Green, who was on hand to present certificates to participants on Sunday, thanked the NSI for ensuring the renovation of a dormitory block was completed on time for the overseas visitors to enjoy. “Athletics is the first sport to benefit from the face-lift being given to the institute and it was nice to be able to host our Oceania colleagues in the dormitory,” Green said.
“The visitors were quite taken aback by the treat that was in store on Sunday’s presentation with University of Goroka students from Bouganville providing entertainment with their traditional bamboo band and singing.
Participants were able to practice their skills on the field during the weekend, with a good number of athletes present for the Highlands-Momase Championships.
Course presenter Peter Sinfield thanked the athletes and the local technical officials for helping deliver the course.
The competition also provided an opportunity for several Team PNG members to have a competitive workout, and the men’s 1500m and 10000m races were very good.
Simbai Kaspar won a very competitive men’s 1500m in four minutes, 17 seconds.
Siune Kagl proved too strong in the 10000m, running away from Kaspar with four laps to go and clocking an amazing 65 seconds in last lap.
His time of 34 minutes, 20 seconds is the best seen in Goroka for many years.