Weightlifting keen on spreading influence

 THE highlight of the recent Papua New Guinea Weightlifting Federation annual general meeting in Port Moresby was nation-wide capacity building.

PNGWF president Sir John Dawanincura said the sport was trying to spread its wings to the four regions of the country and generate more interst for the code.

The national federation has 10 affiliates and it is looking at Southern Highlands, Jiwaka, Chimbu and Central to join the weightlifting family.

Sir John said he was proud to see 19 delegates from 13 provinces attending the recent seminars and the meeting in Port Moresby. 

“It was a fantastic week for weightlifting,” Sir John said.

“Delegates attended technical official and coaching seminars, volunteer training and athletic training camp.” 

The weightlifting chief said PNG was fortunate to have world and Oceania-renowned weightlifting coach Paul Coffa facilitating at all the seminars, including the athletes training camp at the High Performance Training Centre at 4-Mile.

Sir John said prior to the AGM, all delegates attended the weightlifting strategic planning review which was previously delivered by Peter Stewart of the Games Organising Committee. 

Coffa and Trukai Industries representative Nancy Gah attended. 

He said that part of the strategic planning included the purchasing of equipment for all its affiliated members. 

Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko will be approached to assist through the Sports Enhancement Programme to support weightlifting.

Sir John said the weightlifting federation was preparing a letter to the Games Organising Committee to request the distribution of least 15 sets of weights to the provinces after the 2015 Pacific Games.

“Weightlifting is quietly making strides in its development plan and I want to thank everyone for their undivided support,” Sir John said. 

Sir John paid tribute to coaches Dika Toua, Jeffrey Robby, Pembu Kusue and executives of the federation, who include Frank Robby, Lakani Oala and Winis Tua.