One month to go before World Cup kicks off

Sports

WITH 30 days to go, the local organising committee for the Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup is working hard to ensure that all is ready before the kick-off on Nov 13.
The local organising committee’s (LOC) overlay and competition teams are working closely with the venue owners to ensure that all is ready for LOC to move in when the bump-in starts in two weeks.
Asset allocation has been completed for all venues and bump-in is awaiting installation of temporary fencing for all training and match venues.  Local contractor, Pingcomm Limited has also completed the laying of pipes for fibre-optic cabling at the Bava mini stadium and the National Football Stadium.
This will enable the tournament officials along the field of play to have access to internet services during the tournament.
The security team, through the security committee, is finalising its operational order that will see around 1200 security personnel from the three disciplinary forces assisting with security operations.
There will be about 200 PNG Defence Force officers, 60 correctional service officers and 940 police officers.
The five private security firms will bring on a total of 360 personnel to assist the security team.
The operations order has three phases, with the first phase starting on Oct 31.
KIA Motors, who are Fifa partners, have donated 65 vehicles for use during the tournament.
There will be a fan zone set up at Vision City amphitheatre.
The idea behind the fan zone is to bring football to the people and introduce the beautiful game and its commercial affiliates to the public.
The fan zone will be open starting on Nov 15.
The Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup mascot, Susa continues to make appearances at the local communities and schools in Port Moresby. LOC chief executive officer, Seamus Marten said a lot was happening behind the scenes.
Tickets for the tournament go on sale on Nov 1.