Swimming lining up big season

PAPUA New Guinea swimming is set for an exciting season with the Pacific Games (July 9-17) and Arafura Games (April 27- May 4) among the major events the national squad are eyeing.
PNG Swimming Incorporated president Elizabeth Wells, pictured, in a recent press release, thanked the swimmers and volunteers for contributing to a successful 2018 season and encouraged them to continue their efforts in 2019 with several major regional events on the cards including events on Fina’s programme.
“The highlight of the year were the participation of our elite athletes at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia as well as competing at the 12th Oceana Swimming Championship hosted by Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby,” Wells aid.
“The hosting of this event brought much harmony, positive pride and great passion to the country. We give great credit to the PNG organising committee and all our sponsors for this event.”
Wells also thanked the sport’s sponsors and urged swimmers, officials and volunteers for their collaboration. “The calendar of events held during the year would not have achieved the degree of success that it has managed to have achieved would it not be for the continuing support given by our loyal sponsors who are Bank of South Pacific, Theodist Limited and PNG Air Freight (TNT),” she said.
“Thank you for your valuable support to PNG Swimming Inc’s commitment to the future of development of the aquatic sports in PNG.
“Through the consistent hard work, high level of commitment and perseverance, PNG Swimming Inc has made and sustained a very credible development backed by your sponsorship.
“As we face a new calendar year programme in 2019, I would ask all our stakeholders to keep your dream alive,” Wells added.
“To achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, in your vision, in your hard work, in your determination and your dedication.
“Remember all things are possible for those who believe in themselves.”
PNGSI 2019 calendar: Jan 12-13 – Victorian State Championships, March 8-10 – FINA Coaching Certification Course (Port Moresby), March 15-17 – NSW State Championships, March 19-23 Australian Masters Championships (Adelaide), March 29-31 – Theodist National LC Championships (Port Moresby), April 6 – PNGSI AGM, April 7-12 – Australian National Open Championships (Adelaide), April 15-22 – Australian National Age Championships (Adelaide), April 27-May 4 – Arafura Games, June 9-14 – Australia trials for Worlds, July 7-19 – Pacific Games (Apia, Samoa), July 21-28 – FINA World Championships (Gwangju, South Korea), Aug 12-18 – FINA World Masters Championships (South Korea), Aug 20-25 – FINA Junior World Championships (Hungary), Sept 25-27 – FINA Technical Officials Clinic (Lae), Sept 27-29 TNT National Championships (Lae), Oct 24-26 Australian National SC Championships (Victoria).