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:
| No | Name | Location | Events |
| 1 | Pais Wisil | NSI | 100m, 200m, 400m |
| 2 | Jonathan Dende | USA | 100m, 200m, 400m |
| 3 | Alphonse Igish | USA | 100m, 200m, 400m |
| 4 | Timothy Tuna | NSI | 100m, 200m, 400m |
| 5 | Jonny Bai | NSI | 100m, 200m, 400m |
| 6 | Graham Bai | NSI | 100m, 200m, 400m |
| 7 | Salome Yaling | NSI | 100m, 200m, 400m |
| 8 | Adolf Kauba | NSI | 400m, 800m |
| 9 | Bradford Holi | NSI | 100m, 200m, 400m |
| 10 | Micah Gaisane | NSI | 100m, 200m, 400m |
| 11 | Lot Samare | NSI | 100m, 200m, 400m |
| 12 | Sialis Passingan | NSI | 400m, 800m, Hurdles |
| 13 | Damien Kote | NSI | Javelin |
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.
