Aaron Alsop

Head of Sport and Exercise Science at JCU, Dr Glen Deakin was in Port Moresby recently to make final recommendations ahead of their arrival.

“We are coming here in June as part of the Columbo plan, and what we are doing is we are bringing a small group of students to work with the High Performance unit of the PNG Sports Foundation.

“The learning experience is part of their studies back home,” Dr Deakin said.

 “The idea is not just doing it at home in familiar surroundings of gyms and fitness centres and so forth.

High Performance Sport Papua New Guinea director, Aaron Alsop, said with the continued support from Government and other key partners, participants will see a great balance of knowledge sharing, practical application and context specific discussions through the 2-and-a-half days.

“It is exciting to know that our staff have earned the trust of the National Federations and that they want our staff to be involved with their program, team and that they are requesting for more help now in other areas that they did not know was available to them.

High Performance Sport Papua New Guinea Director, Aaron Alsop, said such information will assist High Performance Sport PNG to specifically address their needs.

Speaking after the recent Champions Workshop, Alsop said it was encouraging to see the number of national federations interested to learn more about what HPS PNG offers.

“It is interesting, the diversity of the sport that we have, how varied their needs are.

The PNG High Performance Sport facilitated program, supported by the Government of PNG, was aimed at giving local PNG coaches an opportunity to develop their capabilities. 

The one week program at the Runaway Bay Sport Super Centre in Gold Coast presented a number of ways in which coaches can develop themselves to better prepare their athletes.

HPS PNG director, Aaron Alsop, said it’s encouraging for our team to receive the level of positive feedback they have had from the coaches.

“Big congratulations to all the finalists with special mention to all the category winners announced at the SP PNG Sports Awards on Saturday in Port Moresby,” Alsop said.  

He further proposed for the creation of additional categorises to recognise community sports administrators.    

“I'd like to propose that the following categories be suggested for addition to the list of awards recognised next year. They play an incredible role in sport and the lives of many athletes,” Alsop said.

Alsop said HP wanted to support the recognised body for Physiotherapy in PNG by sharing successes they have had with the upskilling and mentoring of local physios. They aim to achieve this by providing opportunities for them with sports and to further their career into the field of sports physiotherapy. 

“Importantly, we also provide an opportunity to expand their understanding and experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team. Our staff work across many fields and expertise that support athletes and coaches.