Swimming postpones activities

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea Swimming Incorporated (PNGSI) has postponed its programmes indefinitely due to the surge in Covid-19 cases across the country, according to an official.
But PNGSI president Elizabeth Wells told The National on Friday that the Tokyo Olympics and national events such as Theodist National Championships were still on target.
She said PNGSI was hoping that those events would come into fruition.
“Due to the resurgence of Covid-19 and the country now in isolation, swimming clubs are complying with the Covid-19 health protocols and regulations set by the National Pandemic Response Controller David Manning and have postponed its programmes until further notice,” Wells said.
“The Boroko Amateur Swim Club, based at the Taurama Aquatic Centre in the nation’s capital, has postponed all training and learn-to-swim classes for the next four weeks and will review the suspension of programmes at the end of the national isolation period.
“Unfortunately, Lae Amateur Swim Club training programmes are still not fully operational in 2021.
“But it is hoped this can be rectified when a safe and suitable pool is secured to conduct the club’s classes.
“The events on our calendar that we are targeting nationally in 2021, which will hopefully come to fruition, are the May 15-16 Theodist National Championships and the Fina swimming officials clinic from Sept 24-28, both in Port Moresby.
“Internationally, we are targeting the Tokyo Olympic Games between July 23 and Aug 8.”
Wells said PNGSI would remain in close consultation with the National Pandemic Committee, PNG Sports Foundation and PNG Olympic Committee.
“We will abide by all decisions made by them during this time of the pandemic with the safety of our members at the forefront of all our conversations,” she said.