EHP athletes continue to starve at Taurama Barracks

Distorted Olympic SymbolWhilst the local media continues to paint a glamorous picture of the 2009 PNG Games currently under-way in Port Moresby, the athletes from the Eastern Highlands Team continue to go without adequate food and support facilities.

How do I know? I’m in regular contact with Eli who is on the Women’s Hockey Team representing the Province and is currently based out at Taurama Barracks with the rest of the Eastern Highlands sporting contingent.

It is now five days (more for some) since any of the EHP athletes have received a proper meal after departing Goroka early to middle of last week. Yesterday several EHP athletes fainted during their events due to lack of sustenance. In addition there’s cases of diarrhoea being reported – more than likely due to the poor water supply at Taurama Barracks.

I have also been told that when the athletes finally did board the plane at Nabzab in Lae, they were joined at the last minute by intoxicated EHP team officials who had been “living it up” in Lae whilst waiting for their flights.

To make matters worse – scuffles are sporadically breaking out in the EHP camp due to disgruntled players being told that there is no money left to buy food and individuals are basically having to fend for themselves.

This situation is an absolute shambles and I will continue to report on the debacle until a concerted effort is made to remedy the shortage of food and water. The least these young men and women deserve is to be treated and looked after with a minimum level of human dignity.

The Author

4 responses to “EHP athletes continue to starve at Taurama Barracks”

  1. Weast

    The games should have been hosted in a city/town linked to Okuk highway.

    reason being, (fresh) food would have been cheaper and
    transport cost for majority of the players would be cheaper.
    As well whats wrong with a center outside of POM getting its sporting facilities a new face lift or better still building them if they non-existent.

    What is the criteria to meet for hosting the games?

    this is total let down for the players. All the best with games olgeta Ayafa na Arinta, but we understand if you cant perform to your maximum ability.

    Weast

  2. Tweets that mention EHP athletes continue to starve at Taurama Barracks -- Topsy.com

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Robert@PNG, Robert@PNG. Robert@PNG said: @malumnalu You aware of the situation at Taurama with EHP Team? Amongst other things they have not been fed in 5d! http://schi.lt/5819 [...]

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