Bright year for softball

Normal, Sports

THE PNG Softball Federation (PNGSF) has released its calendar for this sporting year which looks very promising and exciting, especially with the PNG National titles coming up in April.
PNGSF vice president Ralph Tarasomo said yesterday that the move to Kokopo for this year’s titles was a strategic one as “we take the opportunity to revive the passion for the game for all softball lovers throughout the region.”
The last time the province hosted the national titles was in 1998 and with the inclusion of Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARB), West New Britain and Mt Hagen, the championship promises to be the biggest with regulars Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Kavieng, Kara, Lihir, Tabubil and hosts Kokopo and Rabaul.
As part of the PNGSF’s vision on junior softball development, an U23 side will be announced in Kokopo to participate in from July 4-9 Friendship tournament in Sydney.
The new junior development coordinator Martyn Dawson would be on deck to scout talents and assist with the training programmes later on after the games.
Dawson has been effectively involved with softball over the years from representative to administration in New Zealand and brings with him a wealth of experience to assist with the development of the code in PNG.
Tarasomo added that centres participating were also asked to bring along a development squad to the championships if it was possible.
PNFSF president Chris Bais has also announced the staging of the national club championships in Port Moresby during the Independence weekend. Association presidents will be fully briefed in Kokopo.
All support is geared towards the national titles which takes place during Easter as the executives have begun liaising with their junior vice president Markis Vonono in Kokopo, to ensure that logistics were in place before the end of March.
The local association presidents are kindly asked to meet with him to fast-track the ground preparations.
All centres are also asked to ensure that affiliation and nomination fees are paid up no later than Feb 26.
Federation treasurer Harry Keket can be contacted for more details.