Former Pacific Sprint King, the founder of NEST Foundation, and local Strength and Conditioning coach, Nelson Stone, has been taken on board by team Fiji Bulikula as their strength and conditioning coach for the 2023 Pacific Championships.
Stone had been the Strength and Conditioning Coach for Mendi Muruks this season. He formerly trained the Hela Wigmen and was part of their 2022 Premiership-winning team. During those times, he had trained the Kumuls debutant Valentine Richard, of whom he had been his trainer and mentor for the past five years.
He is the trainer of one of the current fastest PNG athletes, Leeroy Kamau. He also trains the 61- year-old Masters Champion Gold Medalist, Racheal Liang. His Nest Foundation Club has produced
many PNG athletes. Some of them will attend the Pacific Games this year.
Stone’s hard work had paid off as he accepted Fiji Bulikula, the women’s national team’s offer to be part of their coaching team for the Tri-Series.
The veteran trainer stated that it was through Fiji Bulikula’s Assistant Coach and former PNGRFL Operations Manager, Shane Morris that he was given the opportunity.
He expressed that he was grateful and honored to be part of team Fiji Bulikula for the Pacific Championships.
“Representing another country in your homeland feels different. Kumuls is the pinnacle but I’m grabbing this opportunity with both hands,” Stone said.
He also stated that he may receive backlash from his countrymen for accepting this. Regardless, he pledges to give his best to his new appointment.
Stone said the preparations for Fiji Bulikula are going well. The girls have worked on their combinations and team chemistry.
Fiji Bulikula will take on Fetu Samoa in the opening game on Sunday, 15th October at Santos National Football Stadium.
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