PNG runners praised for marathon effort
(L to R) Willie Gobana, Karin Tappouras, Envoy Bill Hunter, Philp Murry, Lt Brad McIver, Leoni Henari, Greg Vali, Terry Nehaya, Daniel Kelly ready to take part in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon. (Photo by James Horan)
Four young people from The Salvation Army’s Papua New Guinea Territory completed the Gold Coast Airport Marathon last weekend. Another two team members, who were younger than the minimum age (18) for the race, ran the 21.1km half-marathon.
The group was supported by a mentoring team of officers and Salvationists from Australia, that ran alongside them in the race.
Representing team “Salvos Striders”, the runners had trained for the event as part of The Salvation Army’s Hope and a Future program. Now in its second year, the program gives young PNG nationals, identified as future leaders in their country, the opportunity to be mentored in leadership skills.
It is modelled around four key pillars – faith, fitness, education and leadership. “There were some tough times in the race and some good times, just as there are in life, and I knew I just had to keep going,” said Daniel Kelly. “That’s what got me through.”
Greg Vali was struggling at 30km into the marathon but the encouragement of his mentor and running partner, Envoy Bill Hunter, spurred him on. “I ran the last 2km so fast and now I just feel like a heavy load has been lifted. I will continue to work on my fitness and help others.”
Joyce Gabi ran the half-marathon and finished the race despite thinking midway through that she couldn’t go on. “I kept praying, asking God to help me and I know I couldn’t have done it without him,” she said. “I thank him for getting me through and I look forward now to giving back to PNG through this program.”
Envoy Hunter, leader of The Salvation Army’s God’s Sports Arena in Brisbane and an experienced marathon runner, served as team leader for the mentors who included Karin Tappouras from Tuggerah Lakes Corps, and Miranda Corps Officer, Lieutenant Brad McIver.
Four young PNG nationals who ran the marathon last year – Teggy Gomara, Korogo Rotona, Willie Gobana and Philp Murry – were also on the mentoring team.
“It’s great to see the young people grow and develop physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally through this program,” said Envoy Hunter. “I love being able to help and encourage them and they certainly encourage and inspire me.”
As part of the program, the younger members of the group spent the week after the marathon serving and participating at EQUIP Brisbane, a Salvation Army’s camp for youth and young adults that focuses on preparing participants for frontline mission in their communities. Philp and Teggy, meantime, spent the week helping at Brisbane’s Streetlevel Mission and Youth Outreach Service.
“This really is a big deal,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas, Chief Secretary of the PNG Territory. “Last year, the young people came [to Australia] nervous and quiet and now most of them are leading within their corps, have gone forward in their education, become senior soldiers, and have brought leadership to a whole new level.”
The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus is the major sponsor of the program, supported by Salvos Legal.
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