PNG Athletes Leave For United States
PNG Athletics Union have sent six talented athletes to the United States to train while studying. SportzPlus media met the team at the airport on August 14th and the PNG Athletics Union President, Tony Green, was on hand to give a brief about the athletes heading to New Mexico in the United States of America.
President Green was pleased for the athletes having made the eligibility criteria in effort to grow the pool of talent that the country has in athletics. He added that the program was a result of the agreement made between his Union and the New Mexico Junior College and is a stepping stone to senior college scholarships should they excel both athletically and academically.
The athletes in respect to their track event(s) are namely Timothy ToVetuna Tuna (100m & 200m), Adolf Kauba (400m & 800m), Israel Takap (3000m Steeple-chase), Emmanuel Anis (100m), Johnny Ngahan-Bai (100m & 200m) and Mary Tenge (3000m Steeple-chase).
It is a first-time travel overseas for all 6 of the enthusiastic athletes who also shared sentimental thoughts about leaving homeland especially, family and close friends. But they are not fazed by the immediate task to make sure they produce the goods at the various competitions they will prepare and embark on in what is a much-needed step in development for athletics in the country.
“We know the job will not be easy and as much we want to enjoy the experience; we are just as nervous and anxious. We will do our best to try to make PNG proud,” as was expressed by the older of the group leaving our shores.
SportzPlus Media will continue to bring updates on the progress of these fine PNG athletes touted for greatness and PNG Athletics Union is sure to provide that insight.
Picture 1. Five of the Six athletes pictured, at the airport before checking in at departures looking rather relaxed and happy to embark on the athletics and academic program at the New Mexico Junior College.
Picture 2. Tony Green, President of the PNG Athletics Union
Picture 3. One of the 6 Athletes being interviewed by media personnel.
