Rural Gulf village holds basketball finals

WHILE the third PNG Games were in full swing in Lae last week, a small village in Ihu, Gulf province, held its basketball grand finals.
Auveka village held its grand finals in men’s and women’s A and B grades last Friday. November 23.
It was typical rural Papua New Guinea sports at its best.
In A grade, Muvu beat Ila Brothers 36-34 in men’s, while in women’s Seagull beat Huma 20-16.
In B grade Muvu beat IK Lakers 22-20 in men’s, while in women’s Muvu beat Ila 30-28.
Trophies and prize money of K500 were provided by Port Moresby-based scrap metal buying and exporting company Milaheve Holdings.
The company’s marketing manager Michael Haro said it decided to pitch in with support after little recognition from Gulf provincial authorities.
“Provincial authorities should realise the importance of youth in rural areas,” he said.
“Their talent has never been tapped or exposed.
“This is hidden talent.
“The competition has been going on for the last two years with six teams taking part in both men’s and women’s A and B grades.
“The grand finals were very much a success.
“Presentation of trophies and prize money was the first of its kind so everyone was very much excited.”