by Tere Alex – EMTV, Port Moresby
As the National Government prepares to table down the National Budget next week, so far the Government has invested K1.2 billion on Games infrastructure alone.
The visit made by the National Planning and Monitoring Minister Charles Abel yesterday to the recently opened High Performance and Training Centre enlightened the Government’s commitment to back our stars of the day, the athletes to push for Gold in the 2015 Pacific Games.
Minister Abel took a tour around the gym and was satisfied with what he saw.
Under the PNG Olympic Committee Strategic Plan 2011 to 2015, the Committee has been operating under the motto “2015 – In Pursuit of Excellence” and this has adopted the vision of finishing on top of the medal table at the 2015 Pacific Games.
In order to fulfil that vision and perform to the expectations set on Team PNG, the Committee in partnership with the Government through the Go For Gold program set up this facility which provides vital services free of charge and easily accessible for Team PNG athletes.
Minister Abel said to have his department and the 2015 Pacific Games Committee to work together setting up a healthy marketing strategy in line with the Pacific Games and the country’s 40th anniversary celebration next year.
The funds provided through Gold for Gold and Sports Enhancement program, come with a price tag and that is to bring the country up to par in the medal tally.
With the expert guidance of Sir John Dawanincura, host association, the PNG Olympic Committee, was grateful for Government’s support in the athletes’ preparation phrase.
Dika Toua, the 2014 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist and Sprint Queen Toea Wisil are the Gold prospects for 2015 Pacific Games.
Toua and Wisil led the Minister to the workout.
The excitement and adrenaline rush were indisputable as the duo took him through different training techniques.
Wisil taught him tricks used on the tracks while Toua put to test her gold medal craft.
Toea Wisil’s main focus, ahead of 2015 Pacific Games is the 2016 Rio Olympics. But for now it’s fun to train with Minister Abel.
