Six junior sprinters are coming to the end of a month long training camp at the National Sports Institute (NSI) in Goroka.
David Guka (NCD), Leeroy Kamau (ENB), Junior Posai (WNB), Damien Kotou (MAS), Jobbie Kinzu (MAD) and Emmanual Wanga (Lae) were selected by Athletics PNG (APNG) based on their performances in regional and national championships last year, with the aim to groom them for the future.
They six were joined in the camp by three athletes who are already established members of the national team- (Peniel Joshua, Ephraim Lerkin and Kaminiel Matlaun) as well as two coaches from West New Britain (Wilson Malana and Richard Latiti).
The camp has included some testing, various forms of training, and educational aspects.
“I have learned many new skills, drills and this camp helped me to change my running techniques to proper running techniques. I learned new sprint drills, how to look after my body, right and wrong food to consume, better running technique, responsibility of an athlete, true sportsmanship, performance of specific skills and specific abilities,” said Leeroy Kamau.
“At first when I came to this camp I thought that I was basically coming here to get my fitness to a much higher level. However after the first week I realised that I was not only here to gain my fitness but to grasp the whole concept of being a good athlete in both psychological aspects and physical aspects,” said David Guka.
APNG Secretary, Philip Rehder said that NSI Director Janet Gimots has always been very supportive of athletics and thanked her for making the camp possible.
“The Oceania Championship in Fiji at the end of June has an under 20 division which offers a good first time overseas experience for development squad members. We were intending to select the team for Fiji after the PNG Games but if the Games are deferred again then we will have to largely go with what we have already,” said Rehder.