World federation commends Games competition

 WORLD Bodybuilding Federation secretary-general Paul Chua has lauded the 2015 Pacific Games bodybuilding competition as one of the biggest in the history of the regional event.

There were 53 athletes competing in 11 categories (under-65kg to over 100 kg) which was by far the largest number taking part in any of the Games since its inception.

He said the code’s following was growing and the world body was glad non-members in the Pacific had come on board to join the world body —including the Northern Marianas and American Samoa. 

“This Pacific Games is by far one of the best-organised Games and it’s good to see all of you coming together to compete in the spirit of the sports, “he said.

In appreciation of the code and sports in PNG, he handed two gold medal awards for distinguished service to sports to PNG Olympic Committee president Sir John Dawanincura and secretary-general Auvita Rapilla. 

Meanwhile, Imbak Wiape, manager of the PNG bodybuilding team raised his concerns about the way his athletes — who were medal winners — had been treated.  

“All the other members of Team PNG are living in the Games Village and we don’t know why we were left at the Papua New Guinea Institute of Public Administration,” Wiape said. 

“We are not happy with the Games Organising Committee for leaving us stranded at the institute.

“We too are a part of the national squad — Team PNG.”