PNG Games

The PNG Games will be held in Kimbe West New Britian Province from the 18^th of November to the 02^nd of December.

Meantime, the West New Britain Governor just this week confirmed that his province is ready to host the games while accommodation is the only issue yet to be sorted out.

The official presentation of the K50, 000 cheque will be done today at the Trukai industries at Konedobu in Port Moresby.

With less than 20 days to go, Taubar Trading, located at Kapore, which is close to the Kapore mini stadium, is one of those SMEs.

Owner, Nenet Porchy, says his wife and family have been looking forward to the games and have been preparing for the last couple of months.

In an interview with TVWan News, Porchy says: “We are looking forward to the games and have stocked up to serve athletes coming from other centres.

“We are also serving our community in our oil palm blocks and confident to deliver to the people.”

This is in anticipation for athletes and officials coming into Kimbe for the PNG Games this November. 

Outgoing Provincial Police Commander for West New Britain, Jim Namora assured this and thanked his personnel for their commitment and dedication to duty.

Chief Superintendent Namora will be taking up his new post as the Director for the Special Services Division (SSD) in the Port Moresby, NCD.

The funding support of K50,000 is made available through the Olympic Solidarity program.

Secretary General of the PNG Olympic Committee, Auvita Rapilla, said the PNG Olympic Committee recognises the importance of the PNG Games to the country’s sporting landscape in terms of talent identification and sports development.

Rapilla acknowledged the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) for approving the grant to support the PNG Games under the Olympic Solidarity program.

The Vice Sports Minister is visiting the PNG Games sites in West New Britain as one of his major priorities.

He was accompanied by the CEO of the Sports Foundation, Peter Tsiamalili, and the Host Organising Committee, along with John Susuve.

The sports delegation started their site inspection from the Hoskins Mini stadium, Kapore Mini stadium, the Kimbe Rugby Oval and San Remo for the track and field events.

Minister Raminai was very pleased with the site visit, saying West New Britain Province is 'games ready'.

He said one of such is the hosting of PNG Games in Kimbe, West New Britain Province.

O'Neill in a media briefing on Thursday said he will be meeting with WNB Governor Sasindran Muthuvel next week and set a date for the event.

He said sports is one of the top priority for the government since taking office and they will make sure to fulfill all its commitments.

"We are going to assist WNB to host the games," says O'Neill

(File picture)

Coach Allan Akia is encouraging athletes to stay committed and take part in weekend competitions.

The Morobe Athletics team was all geared up for the Games last year but had a falloff in commitment to training when news broke of the initial deferral. 

However, with a group of national squad athletes based in Lae encouraging the Morobe youngsters, things have picked up again since Christmas.

Minister for Sports, National Events and APEC tells Loop PNG  says the dates can’t be changed due to the election next year.

“We can’t change the times because we are looking at the school holidays, were also looking at the elections in April, where the writs are issued, so we have to balance all these things out before the elections.

“So the PNG games will stay as the date recommended by the PNG Games Council. Simple! Said Tkatchenko.