The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) is urging all sports teams who will participate in the upcoming November 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games to meet their requirements by the September 6th deadline.
While many athletes and teams have already received provisional endorsements and are undergoing training, attending national championships, and participating in international events, they must still adhere to the Justification Committee’s benchmark requirements.
This ensures their preparedness and potential performance levels are up to standard for selection onto Team PNG.
All athletes, officials, coaches, and team managers are reminded to complete three obligatory online courses this month on Anti-Doping, Athlete Safeguarding, and the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competition
Additionally, coaches and team managers yet to be certified under the Oceania Sports Education Program (OSEP) must fulfill pre-course requirements before attending the Development Coach, Strength and Conditioning, and Team Managers Courses in early September.
Secretary General, Auvita Rapilla, emphasized the significance of these pre-requisites.
She stated, “These courses are compulsory. Athletes and officials who don’t complete these requirements cannot participate in the games.”
In a recent update from the PNG Olympic Committee Justification Committee, the sports of Judo, Sailing, and Rugby League 9s were excluded from Team PNG and will not be participating in the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games for failing to meet the required benchmark and justification deadlines and criteria.
Rugby League 9s was the only sport that appealed the decision to the PNG Sports Dispute Tribunal who ultimately upheld the decision of the Justification Committee.
The Olympic Committee continues to focus on ensuring that Team PNG represents the best of the country’s athletes and aligns with the high standards set for international competition.