PNGSI postpones Theodist National Championships

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea Swimming Incorporated (PNGSI) has postponed the Theodist National Championships indefinitely due to the closure of PNG Sports Foundation facilities amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
PNGSI President Elizabeth Wells told The National yesterday that the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre – where the championships were scheduled to be held this month – was still closed.
The Government last week extended the nationwide state of emergency by two months, with the country’s second positive case announced days after.
“We are liaising with the Government and right now, facilities are still closed so we cannot host these events,” Wells said.
“We can’t take the risk. It is important that we adhere to advice from the authorities.
“I am not sure when exactly we will re-schedule the championships but l guess we will have to wait until things get better and the Government gives the clearance.”
Wells said a clinic for technical officials, which was scheduled for this month, had also been postponed because Fina experts from New Zealand were restricted due to the travel ban.
She said Fina had also postponed the Oceania Swimming Championships which were scheduled to be held in Fiji in June.
Wells said the championships were a qualifier for the Tokyo Olympics, adding that Fina would announce a date for the event since the Games had been deferred.
“Fina had assessed the situation and suspended the championships indefinitely,” she said.
“Travel restrictions and event restrictions, home training environments and the health risks of swimmers have made it impossible for events to go as scheduled.”