Powerlifting to host city comp

THE Papua New Guinea Powerlifting Federation and the PNG Olympic Federation, in conjunction with a wholesaler, will be hosting a competition at the Murray Barracks Sports Complex in Port Moresby on Saturday.
This is part of a series of powerlifting competitions in Lae and Port Moresby initiated by KK Kingston chief executive officer Michael Kingston after the Pacific Games last year.
Two similar events have already been held in Lae this year, with a positive and enthusiastic turn out from young aspiring athletes.
Many of the business houses in Lae supported the events, which were fundraising drives to re-equip the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium gym in Lae. “Team PNG did exceptionally well in powerlifting at the Pacific Games (last year).
“We have a wealth of experience and potential in PNG,” Kingston said
PNG Powerlifting president Leslie Babaga stressed the importance of having regular competitions for powerlifters in the country.
“Unlike other sports such as rugby, soccer or netball, powerlighting competitions should be held at least every three months so that lifters can be able to recoup and prepare for the next competition,” Babaga said
“Powerlifting has been successful  at every pacifiGames it has attended; 80 to 90 per cent of gold medals in the powerlifting competition are won by PNG.”
Champion female powerlifter Linda Pulsan will be competing in Saturday’s event as part of her preparations for the Oceania Powerlifting Championships in December.
The competition fee is only K10 but spectators will enter for free.
Registration is open to men and women of all weight classes above the age of 18.
Pre-registration is already open, but participants can also register and weigh-in on Saturday morning between 7am and 9am. The competition will start at 10am.
Cash and other prizes will be given to the winners of each weight division.