PARA ATHLETE (SL3)
Country: Papua New Guinea
Place of Birth: Ialibu Pangia, Papua New Guinea
Date of Birth: 28 December 1995
Specialist Event(s): Men’s Singles, Mens Doubles, Mixed Doubles
Height: 167cm
Education: Ialibu Secondary School
PARA ATHLETE (SL3)
Country: Papua New Guinea
Place of Birth: Ialibu Pangia, Papua New Guinea
Date of Birth: 28 December 1995
Specialist Event(s): Men’s Singles, Mens Doubles, Mixed Doubles
Height: 167cm
Education: Ialibu Secondary School
Language(s): English, Pidgin
Play L or R: Right
Sporting Achievements:
Ambitions:
I would like to aim to gain a silver or gold medal in badminton events locally or internationally. And also, to become a good role model to the younger generation so they can be encouraged to do better in life and accomplish positively in my community.
Idols: I appreciate my local coach Brian Karo Ameua and team manager Laurel Vagi for committing their time and encouraging me through good and bad times, despite the challenges they face.
Paul Aiton (Hunter Rugby League coach) – as an athlete representing the country in Rugby League and an ex Kumul player, I have met him and had some interesting conversation with him. His encouragements, interest and support to para-athletes speaks volumes.
Toea Wisil – an athletic athlete who also represented the country, has given me encouragement and she expressed her support as we are both from the same region in my country. Her determination as a female athlete amazes me and makes me proud as she is also a great example to my country women.
Ryan Pini – I look up to him as a better role model who has represented the country in swimming and now has acquired greater responsibilities within the sporting space with great leadership skills.
Biography:
I was introduced to Badminton through Cheshire Homes who contacted PNG President Mr. Kinivanagi Karo. I was not a sports person until after I got into this accident and lost one of my legs. I thought I had no purpose in life, and it was a downfall for me. Until I was introduced to Badminton sports, this has changed my mindset as a Person with Disability. I started to realize the positiveness in being part of the Para Badminton PNG team, which I was then given the opportunity to fly overseas to represent my beloved country through this sport. I gained exposure through my disability and confidence and experience to be a part of the Oceania Para Badminton Competitions, this has helped a lot to gain more positive attitude and mindset as a PWD individual.
I also had the privilege to meet the other PNG athletes and international based Kumul players during my transit trips to Australia.
Interesting Fact:
Being a PWD in my community was negatively accepted, but through my participation in the sport I was recognized and accepted that no matter what I can still do what able bodied people can do. I am now employed by a prestigious business in PNG, the Brian Bell group of Companies based Port Moresby PNG. I have also gained a prosthetic, which I am now called the iron man in my community 🙂 This is all possible through being a participant in the sport of Badminton. So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Badminton PNG, Badminton Oceania and all other partners or organizations associated, for making my journey a positive one which has enhanced my life tremendously.