Opportunity for junior development in swimming: Pini

Caption: (L) Ryan Pini poses with Sports Female Athlete of the Year Linda Pulsan 

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, June 12, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

MALE athlete of the year and PNG champion swimmer, Ryan Pini, says the potential to develop quality swimmers in the country remains.

He said despite lack of facilities countrywide- aspiring swimmer should not be deterred from taking up the sport.

“There is a lot of interest out there; unfortunately, the major thing is the lack of facilities around the nation,” Pini said.

“But do not let that deter you, there are swimmers all around the pacific who train in the ocean, rivers, or hotel pools and that shows the level of interest and dedication you want to do to get into this sport.”

“There is definitely a push to be able to develop swimming in the country- it is just a matter of money and helping those get the chance to swim in a nice big pool like we have here (Port Moresby).”

He said the opportunities for junior development were evident through the country’s competiveness in the sport.

“We are very competitive in the pacific and that was one of the biggest things when I was coming into this sport.”

“Events like Pacific Games, Arafura Games, Oceania Championships that brought me into the level of elite athletes.”

“To get our younger athletes into the mindset of racing against the Pacific and Oceania will be a big step in the coming years,” Pini pointed out.

Pini added with Commonwealth Games coming up 2018, it will be another line where the country can send a decent team to hopefully get a few finalist or semi-finalist.

“The dream for Papua New Guinea is to have a level of athletes and they are coming up and very competitive around the world.”

“To have a very strong team at events like commonwealth and Olympics where everyone is competitive and qualifies by their own right.”

“I think that is the aim, and the development is getting there and I think the athletes are understanding the level of commitment it takes to get through to that so it’s going to take some time but I am going to be here going to be involved in the sport and PNG Olympic Committee to help pass on my experience.”