International Women’s Day 2023

The National Sports Institute took time out today to recognize and celebrate International Women’s Day. This organization is almost equal in terms of gender participation at our workplace with 42% who are women serving in various roles at this Goroka office.

This year 2023 the IWD theme raises awareness on diversity, equity and inclusiveness. We continue in our endeavors to recognize and push for a “world where difference is valued and celebrated”. Together with all our women folk in the sporting fraternity and community here in the Eastern Highlands, we acknowledge and celebrate women who have raised the level and participation of sport in Papua New Guinea. There is still a lot more we can do.

Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity .

#internationalwomensday23

#applaudequalityforwomeninsport

Athlete Development Program Continues in 2023

The NSI Athlete Development Program (ADP) has resumed officially for 2023 with the last lot of athletes arriving at camp on Monday 20th February. The ADP has grown since 2020 having started with just 3 athletes. This year the Institute granted five (5) new athletes into the program giving a total of 13; two of whom are now US based. This makes it 11 ADP athletes officially in camp. In addition to the eleven, 1 female athlete, Joy Tieba, is granted ‘Probation’ status until her performance qualifies her to be part of this residential program.

Preparations began at the end of January with Medical Checks and a series of Fitness Tests. This ADP demands a 50-50 percent effort in both Training and Education. Two athletes are enrolled at formal school in Year 12, one is upgrading Year 12 at Department of Open and Distance Learning (DODL), while the rest are registered at Flexible Open Distance Learning (FODE) Goroka Centre to complete their education.

The month of February saw athletes getting back to shape in the gym and at the track. Schedules are pretty hectic with sessions starting as early as 5.30am and ending with study sessions concluding at 9pm. These athletes have an arduous task ahead as competitions are just around the corner. They have to get into a training routine at the same time, maintain a regular study pattern. This will continue until their first competition in May this year.

Our Team:

NoNameLocationEvents
1Pais WisilNSI100m, 200m, 400m
2Jonathan DendeUSA100m, 200m, 400m
3Alphonse IgishUSA100m, 200m, 400m
4Timothy TunaNSI100m, 200m, 400m
5Jonny BaiNSI100m, 200m, 400m
6Graham BaiNSI100m, 200m, 400m
7Salome YalingNSI100m, 200m, 400m
8Adolf KaubaNSI400m, 800m
9Bradford HoliNSI100m, 200m, 400m
10Micah GaisaneNSI100m, 200m, 400m
11Lot SamareNSI100m, 200m, 400m
12Sialis PassinganNSI400m, 800m, Hurdles
13Damien KoteNSIJavelin

Assistant coaches Mike Smith and Philip Kamane return back on duty supporting Head Coach, Mr. Samu Sasama, in various capacities. The team hope to excel this year again under the stewardship of Mr. Sasama.

Director NSI acknowledges the continued support of the PNG Sports Foundation through the CEO Mr. Albert Veratau. We also appreciate and thank our partner Athletics PNG Inc. for their assistance towards the program so far. Much gratitude to the families, friends, and Eastern Highlands for backing us when we reach out to you.

Tune in the next time as we profile our athletes leading up to the Highlands/Momase Regional Athletics Championship in Goroka on 27th – 28th May 2023.