International Day of Yoga

They boarded a PNG Defence Force Naval vessel for an hour’s trip to the island.

The mangrove planting and the clean-up initiative was the culmination of all planned activities throughout this month to increase awareness and take action on protecting the environment, ocean and reef.

These initiatives were in honour of World Coral Reef Day.

Governor Parkop urged the Fisherman Islanders to stop throwing plastics and other non-biodegradable waste into the sea, because it endangers the survival of marine life.

The annual event, since its inception in 2015, once more saw Port Moresby residents gather as early as 6.30am today.

Putting ethnicity, race and political differences aside, both local and expatriates, young and old, came together for a yoga session led by two yoga instructors.

Among those present were the Indian community in Port Moresby, Bomana Juvenile inmates as well as the UN resident coordinator Roy Trivedy.

This morning, hundreds of people, including Governor Powes Parkop, were turned away from the gates of The Ela Murray International School.

According to organisers, only those with white shirts distributed were allowed to enter the school field for the yoga session.

After some minutes trying to reason with them, Governor Parkop, who was in a blue T-shirt, and the rest of the walk for life participants, left.

There’s a reason this year’s International Yoga Day celebration in PNG will stand out.

Since it’s commemoration in 2015, the celebrations this time will be organised and led by a Papua New Guinea team.

Yoga – an ancient Hindu discipline, accepted worldwide for its health benefits, was introduced into the country in 2012.

The easy-to-do workout very quickly became common within communities, attracting many youths.

This year, founder Fazilah Bazari says a committee has been formed to coordinate the event, led by Jackson Kiap – the lead Yoga teacher.