Bowls PNG suspended

The National Sports

BOWLS Papua New Guinea Limited has been suspended as a member of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and World Bowls.
At a meeting on Wednesday, the PNGOC executive board resolved to suspend Bowls PNG for six months after it failed to justify why it should not be suspended.
The PNGOC had been in dialogue with Bowls PNG since February last year on issues raised by members of the lawn bowls community in relation to its legal structure as an incorporated private company and whether such a setup represented the best interests of the wider bowls fraternity.
“Ultimately, Bowls PNG failed to justify that its current legal structure as an incorporated private company, under the Companies Act 1997 (as amended) represented the best interest of the wider bowls sporting fraternity,” PNGOC said in a statement on Friday.
“Bowls PNG also failed to act on recommendations from PNGOC to re-establish the federation as an incorporated association to ensure it represents the wider interests of the fraternity, rather than as a private company of individual shareholders.”
The lifting of the suspension is subject to Bowls PNG fulfilling the following conditions by Nov 20:

  • Dissolve the company (Bowls PNG Ltd);
  • Incorporate under the Associations Incorporations Act 1966, ensuring its efforts in including members and associations in the process; and,
  • Provide a monthly update to PNGOC of all actions undertaken by Bowls PNG Ltd in matters under the first and second conditions.

“Failure to meet the conditions by the deadline may result in Bowls PNG’s expulsion as a member from PNGOC,” the statement said.
While suspended, Bowls PNG will not be allowed to attend this year’s PNGOC annual general assembly, nor vote and will not receive any funding from the national body.
Following Bowls PNG’s ban, World Bowls subsequently suspended the federation on May 7 until such time Bowls PNG Ltd meets PNGOC’s requirements.
“World Bowls urged all concerned to action all the requirements as a matter of urgency and ensure World Bowls is kept fully informed of the progress,” the statement said.
“With a focus on good governance, PNGOC urges all parties to work together and fulfil the requirements for the best interest of the sport, its members and athletes.”
Meanwhile, the World Outdoor Bowls Championship on the Gold Coast, Australia, has been postponed to May 25 to June 6 next year.