Runners eyeing more medals in Mini Games

By PARKER TAMBUA
TEAM Papua New Guinea’s long-distance runners are aiming for more medals in the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games which begin on Friday.
Long-distance running coach Philip Kamane told The National last week that he would count on Aquila Turalom and George Yamak to take lead in their respective events.
He said there were also a number of athletes who would join them from the United States. Kamane said the long-distance runners had a good chance of winning medals for the country.
“Since the national championships in Kimbe, we have selected a strong squad and they have been under strict training,” Kamane said.
“Despite experiencing a few challenges during preparations, the squad are positive and they are ready to compete.
“We have a good mix of young and experience athletes, so it’s a complete team. “Everyone has been committed to training.
“Their focus and attitude are right, so I am confident that we will compete well.”
This will be Kamane’s second tour as a coach.
His first experience as a coach was in 2014 Oceania Championships in Guam.
PNG Sports Foundation staff member Kamane, who is based at the National Sports Institute in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, backed his experience to continue developing young long-distance runners.
“I was a national long-distance runner myself in the 1991 and 1995 Pacific Games,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t win any medals, but my aim is to inspire younger generations to win medals.”
Kamane thanked the foundation and Athletics PNG for giving him the opportunity to take charge of the long-distance running squad for the Mini Games in the Northern Marianas.