Lae-based athletes are continuing their preparations for the 2017 season despite the disappointment of the PNG Games having been deferred a second time.
Coach Allan Akia is encouraging athletes to stay committed and take part in weekend competitions.
The Morobe Athletics team was all geared up for the Games last year but had a falloff in commitment to training when news broke of the initial deferral.
However, with a group of national squad athletes based in Lae encouraging the Morobe youngsters, things have picked up again since Christmas.
A number of new talents have caught the attention of Athletics PNG coaches especially Leonie Beu in the women’s sprints, Philip Joe and sixteen year old Ezekiel Nawas in the men’s sprints.
Nawas, along with West New Britain’s Lawrence Lamond are under consideration for possible national selection in the U18 division, depending on their performances over the next couple of months.
With the deferral of the PNG Games to November, Athletics PNG Secretary, Philip Rehder reminded all centres of the importance of arranging competitions for its athletes and submitting results.
He said that a couple of invitational meets may be staged in May and that an announcement will be made when the arrangements are confirmed.