Forty (40) netball administrators and coaches from Hiri Koiari District have completed the Oceania Sports Education Program (OSEP) training, strengthening the capacity of local sports organizations and enhancing community-level sports development in Central Province.
The five-day training, held at Koke Hanua Lodge in Boera Village from October 20 to 24, forms part of the Oceania National Olympic Committee’s regional capacity-building initiative delivered through the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC).
The OSEP program aims to address a key challenge in PNG’s sports landscape where around 80% of community sports organizations operate without formal training by equipping participants with essential skills in sports administration, coaching, and event management.
According to the PNGOC, this training supports PNG’s long-term preparations for regional events, including the Pacific Games, by strengthening grassroots leadership and governance in sport.
President of the Hiri Koiari Netball Association, Hoi Koani, described the training as a milestone achievement for local sports leaders.
“This is a blessing, and a dream come true for Hiri Koiari Netball Association as it aligns with our goals for capacity building,” Ms. Koani said.
“We sincerely thank the PNG Olympic Committee for coming down to the community level to deliver this program. We are also grateful to ExxonMobil PNG, the main sponsor of this week’s OSEP event, and to our local member Keith Iduhu for his continuous support and funding.”
A total of 34 sports administrators and 6 community coaches successfully graduated from the program, immediately putting their new skills into practice by organizing a “4-Net Netball Tournament” on the final day.
Participants managed all aspects of the event from planning and officiating to post-tournament evaluation demonstrating practical application of their training.
Sere Airi, Assistant Match Coordinator for the Tubusereia Netball Association, said the training provided valuable insight into how sports organizations should operate.
“It was my first time attending an OSEP course. I’ve learned about the structure of sports organizations and how people should connect and run associations and clubs at the community level,” she said. “I’m excited to take this knowledge back and apply it in Tubusereia.”
Serah Vagi Lohia, Tournament Team Manager for Boera Netball Association, who completed the OSEP Community Coach course, said the experience expanded her understanding of coaching systems across PNG and the Pacific.
“The OSEP Community Coach course has broadened my understanding of coaching systems in PNG and Oceania. I thank the facilitators for this opportunity and look forward to putting my new skills into practice in Boera,” Ms. Lohia said.
Each participant will receive certification recognized by the Oceania National Olympic Committee, giving them access to future advanced training and career development opportunities within the sports sector.
The PNG Olympic Committee says the success of the Hiri Koiari training highlights the importance of investing in people at the community level to sustain sporting excellence and development across Papua New Guinea.
