15 netball associations set for meet

Sports

NETBALL Papua New Guinea has confirmed the participation of 15 member associations for the Newcrest National Netball Championships in Goroka from Sept 18-23.
Tournament director Helen Havora said: “We expect up to 60 teams, 900 athletes and about 30 officials for this year’s tournament.
“It is great to see the revival of the code in the New Guinea Islands with participation from East and West New Britain.”
The emergence of Abau and seasoned campaigners Kairuku-Hiri and Motu-Koita West should see some new talent.
Lae Netball Association is also sending a strong contingent to the tournament. Other associations that are expected to field strong teams are Alotau, Port Moresby, Rigo, Madang, Jiwaka and host Goroka.
President Julienne Leka-Maliaki said Netball PNG was proud of its member associations for preparing well for the championships.
“It is not easy to raise funds or secure sponsorship at the association level, yet the commitment and perseverance by our member associations has been excellent.”
She commended all association presidents and executives for ensuring their respective teams made it to the championships.
Leka-Maliaki said Netball PNG would be holding a strategic-plan workshop on Sept 20.
Meanwhile, Netball PNG has praised Newcrest Mining Ltd, Eastern Highlands government, PNG Air and Brian Bell for their support of the championships.