Athletics championship set for December

Athletics PNG is set to host the 2024 PNG Air National Athletics Championship to be staged at Port Moresby’s Sir John Guise Stadium Outdoor Tracks, December 5-7.

This annual event is expected to host aspiring and elite track and field athletes attending from Lae [Morobe], Chimbu, Goroka (Eastern Highlands), Manus, East New Britain, West New Britain, New Ireland, and Northern among local clubs in Port Moresby.

APNG official Kylie Martins said, “A small team is also expected from Kerema [Gulf] following their participation in the Southern Region Championships.”

“APNG has decided to allow NCD-based Clubs and Schools to enter their teams to facilitate more efficient handling of entries and better management and care of athletes.”

Martins also confirmed that a small group of PNG athletes based in Australia will attend while the US-based will be absent to focus on their training and college exams back in the States.

“We only have a small number of athletes in Australia who will attend, however, the US-based athletes won’t be able to attend due to high travel costs and it’s their end-of-year college exams.”

They [US athlete]) will have plenty of good competitions in the new year that we can assess them on.”

This championship will also serve as the main event to identify and select a squad in preparation for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau.

“An information pack has been circulated and is available for anyone if they request. This contains all necessary information for the championship with entries expected to close on Nov 29.”

“This is to ensure that events can start as scheduled on Thursday, December 4 without the delays caused by late changes to start lists.”

“Several other activities are being planned around the Championships including a short camp for National Squad athletes immediately after the competition, a coaching Clinic, and Oceania Athletics certified Officiating and Coaching Courses.”