National Sports Institute

The highlands conference has six teams vying for the top two spots to qualify for the finals.

The six franchise clubs for the Highlands leg of the NSL are Aporomai FC from Hekari Soccer Association in Kutubu, Simbu Angra FC supported by Simbu Governor Michael Dua, Laima FC from Wabag backed by Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas and two teams from Mt Hagen – Blue Kumuls FC and Hagen FC – backed by Hagen MP William Duma. Kagua-Erave FC is supported by Vice-Minister for Sports and Kagua-Erave MP Wesley Raminai.

Under the MOU, the parties will work together to develop the content knowledge and best practiced skills of the sport of athletics to the next level, targeting Physical Education teachers, coaches, trainers and athletes.

PNG Sports Foundation Director of Major Events and Marketing, John Susuve was on hand to sign the MOU on behalf of the Executive Director, along with APNG President Tony Green.

Talks are underway for APNG to provide the course materials for the Human Movement Studies branch of the NSI to make a submission to the University of Goroka for teaching.

Since his election as president of the IAAF last year, Lord Sebastian Coe has called on Gardner to play a key role in setting the future direction of the IAAF. 

Oceania Athletics Executive Director, Yvonne Mullins, will accompany Gardner to Goroka where they will run multiple Technical Officials Education refresher trainings for technical officials prior to the Championships.

Peniel Richard, who just turned 23 Wednesday, 14 June, is the current double national record holder in Triple Jump and Long Jump for the country. He met with school children at the Goroka-based National Sports Institute on 15 June.

In his first public appearance at the NSI, he talked to the enthusiastic children about discipline, commitment and respect to become successful, not only in sports but in all facets of life.

“It is important that you must discipline yourself, always commit yourself in what you do and respect and love your family and others in the community.”

The invitational meets are to help these provincial teams prepare for the 7^th PNG Games in Kimbe later this year. Neighboring provincial teams are also invited to participate.

The competitions will provide an avenue for provincial teams to have competition experience and ensure they are Games ready come November.

Many Provincial teams have continued training since the deferral of the Games but have not had the opportunity to compete. Competing in these meets will encourage teams to stay focused on their preparations towards the Games.

The School Leadership Camp concept is a new initiative by the NSI targeted to develop and enhance leadership skills in children.

The three day camp integrated physical activities, fun games, research, and public speaking targeted to enhance the six (6) principles of leadership:

•           Talk

•           Respect

•           Acceptance

•           Cooperation

•           Kindness

•           Support

Medical personnel from Goroka Base Hospital attended the camp to provide medical support.

Sports & Tourism Minister Justin Tkatchenko confirmed this following dialogue with Sports Foundation CEO Peter Tsiamalili, Director NSI, and the Show Organising Committee.

 "After consultation with the parties concerned, I have instructed PNGSF CEO to issue the appropriate instruments to enable the show to go ahead at the NSI," Tkatchenko said.

 "We must grab every opportunity that we get, to showcase our culture to the world. The last thing we want to do is suppress our peoples opportunity, especially when it comes to our cultures and traditions.