City to host junior netball championships

PORT Moresby is set to host over 1500 athletes and officials for the National Gaming Control Board Junior Netball Championships scheduled for next week (July 4-6) at the Rita Flynn netball courts.
According to tournament director Caroline Genaia, 15 associations will be participating, including newcomers Jiwaka Netball Association.
The return of Goroka and Oro will add flavour to the three-day tournament.
To date, over 56 teams have been confirmed from 12 associations and tournament organisers expect this to increase to just over 60 teams across the Under-13, U15, and U17and U21 divisions. NCD Governor Powes Parkop will officiate at the opening ceremony on Monday with other VIPs, including representatives from naming rights sponsor NGCB.
Strong contenders for this year’s titles are Port Moresby, Lae, Central and Alotau.
The teams from Highlands region will be the dark horses in the tournament.
Netball PNG wants the junior championships to be the centrepiece event in their development programme to identify and nurture the next generation of netballers in the country.
Netball PNG hopes the competition at the school age and grassroots level will be competitive and dynamic.
A number of activities will complement the event, including a coaching accreditation course, an umpire accreditation course, a first aid management course and a two-day U21 selection camp on July 7 and 8.