By SUSAN OREAPE-FARAPO
PNG Kickboxing Association received an hefty financial boost of K45,000 from National Capital District Commission and the Southern Highlands provincial government to host its international fight in Port Moresby this weekend.
PNGKBA will host the PNG versus Rest of the World at Sir John Guise Indoor Complex on Sunday.
The Southern Highlands provincial government donated K20,000 while NCD Governor Powes Parkop pledged K25,000 yesterday afternoon to PNGKBA president Stanley Nandex.
Nandex said was more than happy for the assistance, adding that it was timely because funding was needed for the fighters’ compensation and arrangements.
Mendi MP Pastor Isaac Joseph presented the Southern Highlands cheque on behalf of the Governor Anderson Aigiru to president Nandex.
Pastor Joseph said the Southern Highlands provincial government was assisting Nandex and his fighters because they believed that bulk of the fighters are from the province.
“This is a life-time opportunity given to you to fight for your country, and also to showcase the potential and talents you have. It’s a way of marketing your country,” Pastor Joseph told Team PNG yesterday.
He told fighters to bear in mind that it was a world-class sport and a lot of opportunities have been given to market the event.
Nandex has applauded the generosity of the NCDC and the SHP provincial government.
He said there was no promise for a big defeat but the local fighters’ performance of top class is a must.
It’s all fair and glamour come Sunday when representatives of ten nations converge at the Sir John Guise Stadium to bring down the biff but it’s sure a tough one. Countries making up the Rest of the World are Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, France, Germany, USA, United Kingdom and South Africa.
Special guest at the event is Hollywood star and world renown kickboxer Don “The Dragon” Wilson.
The aim of the international tournament is to promote PNG fighters as the fight will be televised live on American TV station Fox Sports whose crew arrive tomorrow together with the international contingent.