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Suburban
games
launched
By JACK AMI
A NEW sporting concept hatched to expose talents unnoticed in the suburbs of the National Capital District is also expected to help in the fight against law and order problems. An initiative of National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, the National Capital District Suburban Games, targeted at involving the youth, is set to be a popular sporting activity in years to come. The inaugural games, expected to involve a massive number of over 15,000 youths, was officially launched at the Sir John Guise Stadium yesterday. NCD Governor Powes Parkop when launching the event said K2 million kina has already been pumped into the PNG National Games and the success of the Suburban games would see increased funding for next year. The NCD Games logo was also unveiled in front of NCDC city manager Leslie Alu, deputy city manager Honk Kiap, ward councilors, participants, drama and saw traditional dancing group performance. NCD Governor Parkop, the man behind the Suburban games initiative, said it was a concept that should be embraced, as there were many unidentified talents in the three electorates of Moresby North East, Moresby South and Moresby North West. The NCD Commission’s Community and Social Services, the division responsible for sports, will drive the program. Parkop said there were no proper organized competition at suburb level except for certain versions like the Surburb Rugby League competition and it was important to spread the concept to include other sports. NCDC city manager Alu said 12 sports will be played over seven months beginning with four sports volleyball, touch, soccer and netball from March to April followed by basketball, rugby league nines, athletics and softball. The NCD Suburban Games will conclude with rugby union, cricket, hockey and darts from July to August. The official opening of the games is set for 9am tomorrow during which respective coordinators will distribute the regulation and draws. Alu said 15,552 participants will compete in the games after which squads will be selected and later finalized represent NCD at the PNG National Games in November. Deputy city manager Kiap said the division of social services was willing to work with the community and appealed to NCD Youth Council and Women’s Council to refrain from politics and concentrate on more uniting events like the games. |
SPORTS
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