Papua New Guinea weightlifting coach Konio Toua is in the United States to take part in an international coaching enrichment program at the University of Delaware.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), through Olympic Solidarity funding support, has sent Toua to the XVII International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP) in Newark, Delaware, USA, from September 17 to October 3, 2026.

Toua, the younger sister of Olympic weightlifting legend Dika Toua, is a successful 2026 ICECP scholarship recipient.

Together with her sisters Dika and Thelma, Konio is part of a family well known in PNG weightlifting. She currently coaches at club level, mentoring young and developing athletes.

The 17-day program will give Toua access to international coaching education and a hands-on apprenticeship placement, with PNGOC expecting the knowledge gained to contribute to strengthening the sport and athlete development pathways in PNG.

PNGOC Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu said Toua’s selection reflected the calibre of coaching talent coming through the country’s sporting federations.

“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. Investing in coach development is central to building a sustainable high-performance pathway for sports.”

Toua’s coursework at the University of Delaware covers anti-doping and clean sport education, sport psychology, biomechanics, athlete development and coaching leadership.

She will also complete an individual coaching project from concept through to evaluation.

From September 28, Toua will undertake a week-long practical apprenticeship placement before returning to PNG on October 3rd.

Toua said being selected for the program was a great honour and an opportunity to learn from coaches around the world.

“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.”

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee congratulated Coach Konio Toua on her selection and wished her every success as she completes ICECP XVII and returns home.