West Papua Acting Governor Paulus Waterpauw stated here on Tuesday that several national athletes from Jakarta, Banten, East Nusa Tenggara, East Java, East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, and Papua participated in the athlete category.
He noted that the participation of national runners from seven provinces spurred the enthusiasm of West Papuan beginner athletes in improving their running skills.
"The presence of national athletes in this competition aims to stimulate the spirit of West Papuan novice runners in training," Waterpauw remarked.
According to the acting governor, West Papua has vast potential in terms of its running athletes, though this potential needs to be realized by conducting regular coaching and training.
The province's Youth and Sports Office would record the data of novice runners in order to provide optimal coaching for them.
"The implementation of this event is to empower potential athletes. Hence, young people prepare yourself from now on," he remarked.
Waterpauw believes several shortcomings still exist in the implementation of the 10-kilometer run and underscored the need to evaluate them.
He said the provincial government has planned to hold a 5- or 10-kilometer running race again in October 2023 in commemoration of Pancasila Sanctity Day and Youth Pledge Day.
"The preparation time is only a week. The shortcomings should be evaluated, so October's events can be more lively," he remarked.
The committee is expected to provide a water station every two kilometers to prevent athletes from being dehydrated during the race.
The top three winners in the men's athlete category were Rahmat Setiabudi from East Java, Hendrik from Jakarta, and Omri Sina from East Nusa Tenggara.
In the women's athlete category, the top three racers were Irma Handayani from East Kalimantan, Apiana Paijo from East Nusa Tenggara, and Krisnawati from South Sulawesi.
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Translator: Fransiskus W, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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