Athletics PNG has named a team of 15 male and 14 female athletes to take part in next month’s Oceania Melanesian Regional Championships in Fiji.
The squad includes five PNG-based athletes and New Zealand-based 15-year-old Letisha Pukaikia.
Support from the PNG Olympic Committee has made possible the inclusion of USA-based athletes, including Rellie Kaputin, Theo Piniau, Adrine Monagi, Peniel Richard and Poro Gahekave.
The championships will run from July 7-9.
Secretary of Athletics PNG, Philip Rehder, said only the very best of the up and coming junior athletes have been included due to funding constraints.
“We have been really struggling with lack of funding for development since the Pacific Games and our priority this year has been maintaining the motivation and interest of those athletes who did well for us at the Games and are an important part of our future plans,” said Rehder.
The squad is: Men – Nazmie Lee Marai, Wesley Logorava, Charles Livuan, Ephraim Lerkin, Peniel Joshua, Theo Piniau, Emmanuel Wanga, Martin Orovo, Abel Siune, Peniel Richard, Steven Ray, Robson Yinambe, George Yamak, Debono Paraka and Mowen Boino.
Female: Toea Wisil, Afure Adah, Shirley Vunatup, Donna Koniel, Nancy Malamut, Peni, Pukailia, Lyenne Nilmo, Poro Gahekave, Adrine Monagi, Rellie Kaputin, Mary Kua, Jacklyn Travertz and Annie Topal.
Team Manageress will be Monica Henao and Nola Peni assisting.
USA-based Dior Lowry is the head coach of the PNG team.