Toua heads to the US for coaching program
Papua New Guinea weightlifter Konio Toua is heading to the United States to begin a new chapter in her coaching journey.
The younger sister of five-time Olympians Dika and Thelma Toua, Konio is taking part in an international coaching enrichment program at the University of Delaware in Newark.
The opportunity was made possible through the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee [PNGOC] and Olympic Solidarity funding support, with Toua attending the 17th International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program [ICECP] from September 17 to October 3.
A successful scholarship recipient of the ICECP this year, Coach Toua, alongside her sisters, is a well-known name in PNG weightlifting.
She currently coaches at club level, mentoring and developing young athletes.
The 17-day program will give her access to international coaching education and a hands-on apprenticeship placement. PNGOC expects the knowledge gained to contribute directly to strengthening the sport and athlete development pathway in Papua New Guinea.
“Coach Toua’s selection for ICECP reflects the calibre of coaching talent coming through our federations. We are grateful to Olympic Solidarity and the partnership they have with the University of Delaware to provide these opportunities for our coaches,” Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu said.
“Investing in coach development is central to building a sustainable high-performance pathway for sports.”
Coach Toua’s coursework at the University of Delaware covers anti-doping and clean sport education, sport psychology, biomechanics, athlete development and coaching leadership, alongside an individual coaching project from concept through to evaluation.
From September 28, she will undertake a week-long practical apprenticeship placement before returning to PNG on October 3.
“Being selected for ICECP is a great honour,” Coach Toua said.
“It gives me the chance to learn from coaches around the world and bring that knowledge home, to expand weightlifting into more provinces, identify young talent and build a stronger pathway for athletes across the country, regardless of where they live in PNG.”