Alotau helps U21s

 By KYMLIE KARANI

THE Alotau Netball Association has helped the Papua New Guinea Netball Federation secure funds for the Under-21 national team preparing for next month’s World Youth Championships in  Glasgow, Scotland.

Alotau Netball Association president, Hacy Abel and her hard working team raised K17,000 over the weekend in support of the U21 Team that will play in the World Youth Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, from August 22-31.

The fundraising drive, which included a cocktail with great entertainment and motivational speeches, was well received by those who attended, including key businessmen in Milne Bay, relatives of players and the sporting community there.

Alotau MP and Minister for National Planning, Charles Abel was there as well.

PNG Netball Federation president Julienne Leka-Maliaki, who was invited there, was full of praise of the Alotau Netball Association for taking the initiative to support their fundraising drive.

“This is the first of such an initiative by an association to support its governing body and for that PNG Netball is humbled by the overwhelming support of the local business community, families and sporting community towards PNG Netball,” Leka-Maliaki said.

“Your commitment and support to our cause cannot be understated, particularly when PNG Netball has to raise approximately K200,000 to send its national U21 team to the World Championships,” Leka-Maliaki told members of the Alotau Netball Association.

She reiterated that the World Championships was an important event and a must for PNG Netball as they prepared to host the 2015 Pacific Games.

Up to half of the U21 squad members would in contention of making the 2015 netball squad, she said. 

Leka-Maliaki said plans were under way to organise a similar fundraiser in Port Moresby on Aug 14 and PNG Netball was appealing to its corporate friends and partners to supporting their cause.