One of PNG’s sporting icons, Iammo Gapi Launa, is now trying her hand at politics after she filed her nomination at Kwikila yesterday to contest for the Rigo Open seat.
Flanked by her supporters from her village of Kalo, the heptathlon star from the 1984 Summer Olympic in Los Angeles and 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, became the 31st candidate at 12:41pm vying to unseat Ano Pala.
“I’m excited about this new challenge. I stand for change. I want everyone from Rigo to join me to bring change to Rigo and the Central province as a whole,” said Launa.
Returning Officer for Rigo Open, Virgil Waisa said Launa’s nomination made her the sixth female candidate.
“Bringing services like roads, health, education, instilling good family values and creating employment opportunities is what I want to bring to the people
“I think it’s time we women be given the opportunity to lead Rigo and make Central one of the best provinces in the country,” said Launa.
A complete all-round athlete, Launa’s sporting career has spanned over 30 overs representing PNG in athletics, volleyball and netball.
Launa is running as an independent.
At the close of nominations yesterday afternoon, Waisa said there are 39 candidates contesting for the Rigo Open seat- eight are female.