THE Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee will be thoroughly screening applicants for team officials as it prepares to send Team PNG to the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau.

With its Justification Committee on the move to screen sports and athletes, the committee will proceed to endorse team officials that are expected to meet stringent criteria.

This includes holding current certifications from either International Federation or the Oceania Sports Education Program (OSEP).

Certifications must cover areas such as Development Coaching, Strength & Conditioning, or Team Management. Officials are also required to have relevant experience at both club and national levels.

Additionally, background checks will ensure officials have no criminal record, and they must complete mandatory courses on Safeguarding, Anti-Doping, and the Prevention of Competition Manipulation. Endorsable roles include Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Team Managers, Assistant Team Managers, and Trainers.

For athletes, National Federations must submit their details for preliminary endorsement by Oct 31, 2024 which was on Thursday.

Meanwhile the JC will conduct a series of review meetings from Feb 24-28 2025, although these meetings will not determine the final team composition.

The first round of athlete selections will be completed by March 2025, with the final entry list confirmed by May 16 2025.

Chef de Mission Kinivanagi Karo will lead Team PNG at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games.

Participation is contingent upon meeting all outlined requirements within the designated timelines, ensuring that both athletes and officials are fully prepared to represent the nation.