Cup unites nations

By PETER PUSAL
PORT Moresby has embraced the Under-20 women’s soccer World Cup spirit well before its kick-off.
And the visiting teams have responded with equal willingness and joy to mix and mingle with locals.
Communities in and around the city have made their way to the Jackson International Airport this week to welcome teams and the visitors have shown much delight by their presence.
Yesterday underscored the mutual acceptance by the locals and visitors of each other as they embraced, laughed and shared in fun, displaying sporting spirit at its best.
There were clear signs the two-week tournament in the capital city would be a memorable one.
There were more than touches of Papua New Guinea culture on show as communities such as Morata, Gerehu, Burns Peak, Taikone and Koki-Wainigela welcomed the visitors with open arms this week.  With faces painted in their team colours or wearing clothes coordinated with the nation’s colours, local communities have been embraced by the young visitors.
The Fifa Local Organising Committee (LOC) in partnership with healthy initiative Walk For Life walking event are mobilising communities in National Capital District to support the teams.
Communities and suburbs participating regularly in Walk For Life and yoga sessions were chosen to adopt a country each as their supporters or cheer squad for the duration of the tournament.
NCD Commission senior staff Numa Alu described the idea behind the initiative to “adopt a country” and back them throughout the tournament as a great way for the visitors to experience and feel the vibrancy of Port Moresby and PNG.