PNGOC queries control centre

‘Takeover of Aquatic Centre to affect Games preparations’

THE Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has, on behalf of national sporting federations, raised serious concern over the recently-announced takeover of the Taurama Aquatic Indoor Centre (Taic) by the National Control Centre.
It said in a statement that the decision, announced on April 22, would “drastically affect federations’ operations, their membership bases and athlete training for international events”.
The Taic is one of the key legacies from the 2015 Pacific Games, having been upgraded to a world-class multi-purpose sporting facility for those Games, in which PNG topped the medal table.
During the past six years, it has become the home and daily training venue for several sports.
PNGOC said it understood what the country was going through at the present time and recognised the need for sporting facilities such as Rita Flynn, Taic and Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium to be made available to assist in the fight against Covid-19.
“However, we believe that this can and should be done after appropriate consultations with venue users so that workable solutions can be found,” it said.
“The decision to commandeer the TAIC for a period of 12 months was made without any consultations or even any timely advice to those affected most.”
PNGOC president Sir John Dawanincura said the decision would affect each sport differently.
“Had sports been consulted then they could have advised the controller of the implications, so that well thought out and well-informed decisions could have been made collaboratively and contingency plans drawn up,” he said.
PNGOC said the decision would seriously impact the country’s preparations for the 2022 Pacific Mini Games and Commonwealth Games, and 2023 Pacific Games.
Sir John said athletes must train year in, year out to prepare for major Games.
He said swimming was on the programme for all major Games and they had no alternative venue for training and competition.
PNGOC said it was also concerned about the “potential for preventative care and maintenance of the facility being neglected and indeed damage to the floors”.