THE country’s athletics coach has expressed excitement over the current training program undertaken by the local athletic squad under the watchful eyes of Australian athletic coach.
Terry West has been engaged following an invitation from Solomon islands Athletic Federation to help prepare the country’s athletic team for the upcoming Pacific Games in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and as well as the Oceania competition tournament later this year.
So far the training covered technical areas, fitness and other international training areas which had never been introduced in the past.
Head coach Jocelyn Taurikeni said, the team is currently under intensive training program with the help of the Australian coach.
She said, through the assistance of West the squad looks promising since it is their first time for such an international coach to expose to the local athletes such international training programs.
With the help of Mr West the federation has named a final squad for the upcoming Pacific Games this year in PNG.
With the final selection being made training is making progress.
Taurikeni believes that this squad will be deferent from the past runners because they have someone with international background in athletes helping them and athletes officials.
West said, Solomon Islanders got interests in athletes and love sports.
West is a professional running coach and has been involved in all facets of track and field over many tears.
His coaching history includes roles as national junior events coach for middle distance and endurance (Australia) to elite senior position and advisor to world athletics governing body.
Meanwhile the final squad for the upcoming Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea are-
Sprinters: Kevin Pio, Emanuel Tautaumae, Alfred Alisia, Mathew Sukulu, Alwin Muha, Moses Ohai’ihi, Moffet Misiti and Clay Tus Taqimama.