The PNG Karate-do Federation (PNGKF) is preparing its team to attend the 16th Oceania Karate Championships in Suva, Fiji.
The championships will kick off on the 11th to the 13th of September 2014.
Thirty-two athletes were selected from the current development squad. They comprise of Vincent Bougen (AROB), Lera Kose, Cathrine Wilson, Miriam Stanley, Gewa Rupa, Naorei Joseph, Joseph Smith Jnr, Billy Baeau Jnr, Dennis Kopman, Ishmael Stanley, Francis Oa Jnr, John Kajona and Dominic Sipapi (Central), Jacklyn Barney, Maryanne Porika and Manu Mekere (Morobe), Crystal Mari, Joancherry Revui, Gantianna Joseph, Sarah Ande, Violet Wanghihau, Nigel Bana, Cosmas Saliawali, Leonard Gariadi, Sailas Piskaut, Andrew Molen and Julius Piku (NCD); Monovi Atomu Amani Jnr (New Ireland); Peace Kaiwa, Ernest Nuli, Alois Masusulu and Nick Mou (WNB).
The travelling officials are Sensei Trevor Roberts (Mentor Coach), Sensei David Wallace (Kumite Coach), Sempai Willie Leslie (Kata Coach), Francis Mairi (manager for the men), Gorettie Mari (manager for the women) and a physio, yet to be named.
The number of athletes could have been more and there were others considered who had not yet obtained pasSport.
They will be travelling under the leadership of Sensei Trevor Roberts as mentor coach, Sensei David Wallace, Kumite coach and Sempai Willie Leslie, Kata coach.
PNGKF was the first Melanesian country to affiliate to the Oceania Karate Federation in 1995.
That same year saw the PNGKF send its' first athlete, Carl Mari, who is now the current president, to compete at the 4th Oceania Karate Championships in Noumea, New Caledonia.
The team plans to depart on Tuesday, 9th of September and return on 15th September.
PNGKF still needs support for this trip and, therefore, seeks financial support from companies and individuals to attend this event as a lead up to the 2015 Pacific Games.
For support, contact President Carl Mari on cell phone 73757777 or email carlmari@hotmail.com
Selected athletes must contact Sempai Willie Leslie on cell phone 72288366 immediately.
