‘Governor’ tag dropped from comp

 By FRANKIY KAPIN

THE East New Britain Softball Governor’s Cup has changed its name to the ENB Regional Softball Cup. 

For a decade the competition was named after the province’s political head but after main sponsor regional MP Leo Dion was elevated to the deputy prime minister’s post the cup has been given a new title. 

The tournament will be staged over the Queen’s Birthday weekend (June 7-10) in Kokopo. 

Announcing the ongoing financial commitment of Dion, organizing committee chairman Cleopas Warpit thanked Dion for a K20,000 commitment to the championships on Monday. 

Dion has spent more than K100,000 on the tournament in the past. The tournament will be launched on Friday at the Takubar sports ground in Kokopo the Seeto Company as a co-sponsor.

Last year’s tournament drew 15 teams but 28 teams are expected to participate. The majority of teams will come from the ENB and Country Rabaul softball associations. 

Warpit also announced the participation of a team from the Kavieng and Buluminski associations of New Ireland plus a West New Britain side. A prize pool of K22,400 is on offer.

“Our regional member is being true to his words 10 years ago saying the purpose of the tournament is to bring the youths of the four districts of ENB together and promote unity through sports,” Warpit said.

“As youth and sports representative in the ENB Provincial assembly, I must acknowledge the continuous support of the regional member Leo Dion in softball for the last 10 years,” said Warpit.