Performance satisfies APNG

By HUXLEY LOVAI
Athletics PNG is satisfied with the performance of the athletics team to the Pacific Mini Games, according to an official.
Athletics PNG development officer Dior Lowry said after the athletes returned from the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu, that he was pleased with the performance of the squad. Although some results did not go the way PNG expected, the overall performance was encouraging as PNG athletics allowed the younger home-based athletes a chance to participate at a regional event.
“They did ok, adapting well to the conditions over there in Vanuatu. For the next major meet it would be better if the team arrives a couple of weeks earlier at the competition venue so that the athletes have time to adapt to the local conditions,” Lowry said.
Lowry, from the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the US, who is a former college athlete himself, has been in contact with Athletics PNG since 2015.
The 32-year-old helps to develop plans and programmes for APNG, along with assisting local coaches and athletes who want programmes.
“Last year, APNG has worked on their strategic plan for high performance, working closely with the National Sports Institute in Goroka,” he said.
“We have a coaching development programme, with the athletes having a camp at the NSI in January. Out of that camp a number of our junior athletes did well at the Oceania Championships.
“This showed us the benefits of altitude training and bringing athletes together as a group at one site.
“It’s about building the level of coaching so that they can be better able to guide the athletes throughout the year.”