by Jack Lapauve Jr – EM TV, Port Moresby
Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko told parliament today that Team PNG lifters are ready for the 2015 Pacific Games in July.
Minister Tkatchenko says both in-house and overseas training has placed the athletes at a competitive level.
Tkatchenko was questioned by Kabwum MP Bob Dadae over the management of athletes and their preparations towards the Pacific Games. The Kabwum MP called for clarity on whether the PNG lifters and other sporting codes are well-vested in their training to take on other Pacific nations.
The Sports Minister said the lifters and athletes from other codes have engaged in overseas training and coaching programs. Tkatchenko said a huge sum of money has been spent on that and the athletes will prove and quest for gold medals.
Minister Tkatchenko said the PNG Olympic Committee is working closely with lifters at the national High Performance Centre.
PNG lifters proved to be one of the best performing codes after claiming seven golds, three silvers and three bronze medals in the Noumea Games in 2011.
The Sports Minister made these comments after being questioned by Kabwum MP Bob Dadae in today’s session.
