by The PNG Karate-Do Federation (PNGKF) is preparing its team to attend the 16th Oceania Karate Championships in Suva, Fiji on the 11th – 13th September 2014.
The thirty two athletes who have been selected were chosen from the current development squad; They comprise of; Vincent Bougen (AROB); Lera Kose, Cathrine Wilson, Miriam Stanley, Gewa Rupa, Naorei Joseph, Joseph Smith Jnr, Billy Baeau Jnr, Dennis Kopman, Ishmael Stanley, Francis Oa Jnr, John Kajona and Dominic Sipapi (Central); Jacklyn Barney, Maryanne Porika and Manu Mekere (Morobe); Crystal Mari, Joancherry Revui, Gantianna Joseph, Sarah Ande, Violet Wanghihau, Nigel Bana, Cosmas Saliawali, Leonard Gariadi, Sailas Piskaut, Andrew Molen and Julius Piku (NCD); Monovi Atomu Amani Jnr (New Ireland); Peace Kaiwa, Ernest Nuli, Alois Masusulu and Nick Mou(WNB). The traveling officials are; Sensei Trevor Roberts (Head & Mentor Coach), Sensei David Wallace (Kumite Coach), Sempai Willie Leslie (Kata Coach), Francis Mairi (Manager – Male), Gorettie Mari (Manager – Female), and a Physio (yet to be allocated from the PNGOC High Performance Division). The athletes’ number could have been more but, there are others who were considered but are yet to obtain their passports.
This is PNG’s biggest team ever to attend any Oceania Karate Championships. PNGKF was the first Melanesian country to affiliate to the Oceania Karate Federation in 1995. In the same year PNGKF sent its first athlete, Carl Mari (current President) to compete at 4th Oceania Karate Championships in Noumea, New Caledonia.
The team plans to depart on Tuesday 9th September and return on 15th September 2014. PNGKF still needs support for this trip and therefore, seeks financial support from companies and individuals to attend this event as a lead-up to the 2015 Pacific Games possible.
For support contact President Carl Mari on cell phone 73757777 or email carlmari@hotmail.com.
Selected athletes must contact Sempai Willie Leslie on cell phone 72288366 immediately.
