Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka gave advice to a number of Papua Football Academy (PFA) football athletes who will undergo a training camp ( TC ) in Austria.
In an official broadcast in Jakarta on Thursday, Vice President Gibran explained that the advice was given directly to several young Papuan football athletes during a meeting at the Indonesian Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (February 11). Three young athletes from the Papua Football Academy will undergo a three-week training camp and selection process in Austria with local football clubs.
"The Vice President said the children should make Indonesia proud, make their families proud, and make a positive contribution to football and Indonesian society. This is an excellent opportunity for them," said Wolfgang Pikal, Director of the Papua Football Academy, explaining the advice Gibran gave to the athletes.
Then, one of the PFA members who will undergo the Elite Camp Austria training camp, Dovi Theofilus Salossa, said he was happy to be able to meet Vice President Gibran in person before he left for Austria.
"Earlier in the office, we chatted with the Vice President. It was a pleasure to meet him. His message was to be enthusiastic, focused, and keep learning," said Dolvi.
At the same meeting, athlete representatives presented jackets and balls to Vice President Gibran for signature, which they described as a symbol of support and prayers. The Vice President also presented shoes to the young athletes.
Following the meeting, PT Garuda Gemah Nusantara Director Rizky Aidi, whose company manages the Papua Football Academy, explained that the program for developing young football athletes in Papua aims to identify talent and potential, particularly from eastern Indonesia.
Rizky explained that PFA operations have been fully supported by Freeport Indonesia since 2022.
"The talents from the east are no less competitive. This three-week opportunity in Austria with three clubs provides an opportunity for them to showcase their abilities and open up professional career opportunities," said Rizky Aidi.
