JAYAPURA - The Expert Staff of the Governor of Papua for Community Affairs and Human Resources, Elsye Penina Rumbekwan, released the Papua Province Contingent, which will compete in the XVI National Student Sports Week (POPNAS) in 2023 in Palembang, South Sumatra.

POPNAS XVI will be held from August 26, 2023, to September 4, 2023. The release was carried out on Thursday (24/8/2023), at the Horizon Hotel, Kotaraja, Jayapura City.

"The POPNAS this year is not the last in the history of POPNAS in Indonesia. For this reason, we invite all young Papuan student-athletes to participate in other events as the entrance to becoming national athletes," explained Elsye.

According to Elsye, the Papua Provincial Government had previously conducted athlete training at the Student Education and Training Center (PPLP) since 1986 with budget sources derived from the state budget. Then followed by the establishment of a Regional Student Education and Training Center (PPLPD) funded by the regional budget fund.

The results of coaching on PPLP / PPLPD have been proven clearly in the implementation of the XIII National Sports Week in 1993 in Jakarta, where the football branch at that time came out as champions without losing and drawing even once.

"So that the Papuan team is dubbed as "The Dream Team". The majority of the PON football team at that time were our children who were educated at the Papua Province PPLP," he said.

It is known that the Papuan Contingent in the 2023 POPNAS Palembang, descended on 10 of the 22 contested. Namely, Karate, Pencak Silat, Boxing, Weightlifting, Badminton, Tennis, Women's Basketball, Bicycle Racing, Athletics and Football. ***