Vali selected for swimming programme in Thailand

TWENTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD swimmer Matthew Vali, a member of the Boroko Amateur Swim Club, has been selected to be part of the 2021-2022 International Swimming Federation (Fina) scholarships programme.
“Fina has created a personal offer for Matthew Vali in order to provide the most suitable services for his needs and goals at the Thanyapura Training Centre in Phuket, Thailand, with the purpose of enhancing the potential of the athlete,” Papua New Guinea Swimming Incorporated said in a statement.
“A previous recipient of this scholarship was Papua New Guinea swimmer Judith Meauri who was awarded a 2019-2020 Fina scholarship which was extended to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics held in 2021.
“The scholarship will include his return flight from Port Moresby to the training centre.
‘The length of the programme will be 12 months and his expected date of return to PNG will be Dec 3.
“The training centre will ensure access to appropriate training facilities, a specialised coach, training programme tailored to the athlete’s needs, including swimming practices and dry-land training sessions.
“Papua New Guinea Swimming Incorporated takes this opportunity to thank Fina sincerely for providing a scholarship to Vali to attend training in Thanyapura.”
The scholarship will also cover regular medical assistance and scientific control with accommodation and a balanced nutritional plan.
It will also provide accident and illness insurance, and ensure participation in a Fina qualifying event.
The scholarship will allow access to technical information concerning the 15th Fina World Swimming Championships (United Arab Emirates) and the 19th Fina World Championships (Japan).