Netball PNG

In yesterday’s match of the premier division, Bank South Pacific after recovering from its loss in week one of the semifinal held off Nambawan Super Limited 23 points to 13 to set up the grand final stage against Moore Printing.

The BSP team came strong, firing on court both in attack and defense holding onto their lead through to the end. They are expected to continue this superb form heading into their grand final. 

Motivational speaker and American basketball player, Eric Bailey, will join the event as the keynote speaker, delivering an inspirational message on fulfilling your dreams.  

Bailey has spoken to more than three million people worldwide, drawing on his difficult start growing up in the crime riddled streets of downtown Los Angeles. He’s gone on to be one of the world’s top motivational speakers, leaving audiences driven to change their lives in a positive manner.

The 3-year partnership agreement included provision of official match balls for the 20-18 Newcrest National Titles, underway in Lae, Morobe Province.

Hart sport of Australia is a supplier of quality sporting equipment.

Chair of Netball PNG Julienne Leka-Maliaki said the organization is focused on building and raising the standards of the game in PNG, hence it was important to have a consistent supply of key equipment for netball events across the country.

“The key objective is to raise funds to support our national team – the Pepes – in their participation at forthcoming international commitments, including the 2017 Pacific Mini Games and the World Cup Qualifier in Auckland, New Zealand, scheduled for April 2018,” said President of Netball PNG, Julienne Leka.

The fundraiser will run from 8am-5pm.

Leka appealed to potential sponsors and friends to support this worthy cause by registering a 4-member team at K1,500 per team.

The 3 tier approach includes WaterAid PNG’s WaSH program, Netball PNG’s Leadership and Governance Program and the PNG Olympic Committee’s Oceania Sport Education Program.

Chair of the board of Netball PNG, Julienne Leka, said the approach is a paradigm shift in how Netball PNG intends to implement its 3 Year Strategic Plan

The partnership program will at the same time develop and enhance Netball PNG’s Leadership and Technical Capacity Program through its membership.

This is primarily due to the effect of the 2017 National General Elections.

Netball PNG Board Chair, Julienne Leka, explained that the Board had gauged the views of Council members with the majority advising that they would not be able to attend this year’s championships. This was due to the national elections, which had affected local competitions throughout the country.

Leka added the annual general meeting will be held either in the fourth quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2018.

The match played at the Rita Flynn courts yesterday was attended by Australian Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove.

The main aim of the partnership is to improve grassroots sports participation; to improve hygiene behaviours alongside access to safe water and sanitation; and the participation and leadership of women and girls.

President, Julienne Leka Maliaki said Netball PNG was grateful for the opportunity to promote this partnership which is fundamental to rural communities.

The winners:

1st prize winner - Susan Geita, ticket # 030872 - K25,000
2nd prize winner - Nelson Waiut ticket # 049151- K15,000
3rd prize winner - McQuentin Apuahe # 024153 - K10,000

President, Julienne Leka Maliaki said the joint fundraising is an initiative between both organisations, and is primarily aimed to raise funds for the PNG Pepes and the PNG Maleos international commitments in 2017.

“Netball PNG is grateful for the support and commitment of the players, families and supporters towards this fundraiser,” said Maliaki.

Netball PNG’s High Performance Coordinator, Mona-Lisa Leka, said the PNG Pepes are currently ranked 15^th in the world and need to participate in strategic ranking international events between now and April 2017. This is to make the 12-member team cut for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

She said Netball PNG has plans to host at least two international test series over the next 6 months in Port Moresby to qualify for the Commonwealth Games.

NPNG will be sending a team to qualify for the 2017 World Youth Cup to be held from July 8-16 at Botswana.

PNG must finish in the top to qualify for the World Cup.

NPNG president Julienne Leka-Maliaki said as far as our high performance program is concerned the U21 team have commenced preparations with a train on squad.

She said this may be the only big international event for the girls but in terms of lead up to that it takes about eight months to prepare.

“We are working on a program as pre competition events prior to the qualifier.