Teen powerlifter gets help from familiar faces

TELIKOM PNG reaffirmed its support for 18-year-old power lifter Dobi Mea with a K30,000 sponsorship of her trip to the World sub-junior Power Lifting Championships in Brazil.
Telikom PNG CEO Peter Loko made the cheque presentation yesterday at the Telikom Rumana boardroom, witnessed by power lifting officials, Mea’s family and the press.
Loko thanked the family for their continuous support in Mea’s development as an athlete, reflecting also on the decisions that have to be made by parents for their children.
“I know how hard it is for most parents, letting their children travel, especially at the age of 18, but it is through this kind of support and commitment that Dobi has been able to achieve,” Loko said.
“Telikom PNG is proud of our commitment to the cause too, and all that we ask of her, is her very best, and to enjoy the trip.”
PNG Power Lifting president Hebou Asi thanked Telikom on behalf of the fraternity and family for helping in Mea’s achievements.
“Having come this far, we are greatly honoured and privileged to have Telikom as a major sponsor, since last year.
“It is through this initiative to focus on the elite sportsmen and women from the rural areas that we have achieved,” Asi said.
He also made a call for gender equality in sponsorship priorities.
He wanted to see the same kind of commitment given to male
athletes be given for female athletes.
Mea, with Telikom PNG backing last year, produced a golden performance at the World Championships in South Africa, squatting a world record 140kg, the highest ever in her division and scored a fourth placing in the dead lift.
It was only through a “bombed” bench press, that a world record was not accorded to her.
“She is well-prepared going to Brazil and has worked a lot harder on her benching, and we are very positive this time,” Asi said.
Mea leaves today via Australia and the United States for the championships which starts next Sunday and is expected to return next Wednesday.
Other super power lifting nations attending include England, Bulgaria, Russia and Pakistan.