Team WNB happy to represent province

TEAM West are all set to go, team manageress Nolene Pidik said from the team’s village, Ted Diro Primary School, yesterday.
Pidik said that the West New Britons would participate in 14 of the 21 sports over the next week and a half.
She added 356 athletes, including officials were the initial number of participants, however it was reduced 336 before the start of the competition start, due to the inability of some sports to meet deadlines.
Pidik said Team West were ready to give their best, and were honoured to represent the province despite winning or losing.
“Our medal chances remain in touch and Paralympics. We hauled medals from these sports in the previous games.
“We also have strong rugby league nines and rugby sevens sides, so there are other chances there too,” Pidik said.
They were also hoping for medals in powerlifting, weightlifting, cricket, softball and boxing.
The boxing squad is under the guidance of former PNG featherweight champion Leo Ruru and longtime boxing mentor Steven Meta.
With much experience under their belt, they spent time building the side to prepare for the event.
With all 14 boxers here without any national experience, Meta stressed that they were more than ready to take on their opponents.
“We are aiming for gold. We have shaped these boys so they can meet the class at these games.
“The wealth of experience in our coaching team should be an insight into what to expect from Team West boxing side,” Meta said.