Athletics PNG has cleared the air on the number of entries per province and the number of events which an individual can take part in the upcoming PNG Games in Kimbe.
The concerns arose due to the circulation of an incorrect entry form around provinces, quantifying that each province is only allowed to register two athletes per event.
Athletics PNG President Tony Green clarifies that each province may nominate a maximum of three athletes for any event, including the half marathon.
“Any athlete may participate in a maximum of three individual events plus the relays. This may be three track events or three field events or a combination of the two,” Green said.
The only exception to this rule is that no athlete is allowed to participate in all three sprinting events of 100m, 200m and 400m.
“This is due to the fact that four rounds will be necessary in the 100m and 200m and at least three rounds in the 400m,” he stated.
“Clearly this is too heavy a load for anyone so athletes will only be allowed to enter two of these three events.”
Green also airs that regarding the PNG elite athlete’s participation in the Games; they will be given little opportunity as the focus is on the future, especially 2017 and the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
“We want to ensure that all national squad athletes have sufficient competition opportunities, whether that’s overseas or in PNG,” he added.
“Elite athletes may participate but not in their usual events.”