Elections delay NCD’s Fun Run

SECURITY issues surrounding the general election counting period in Port Moresby has caused the deferral of the country’s biggest annual fund-raising fun day, the Trukai Olympic Day Fun Run.
The deferral also means that the event will take place after the London Olympics that opens on July 27 and closes on Aug 12.   
Originally scheduled for this Sunday July 8, Lae, Goroka, Kavieng,  Lihir, Popondetta, Mt Hagen, Kokopo and Tabubil communities will take to the roads as planned this Sunday.
The Port Moresby community will wait till Sept 2 to run their race.
The Port Moresby deferral was announced by Papua New Guinea Sports Federation and Olympic Committee President Sir John Dawanincura, secretary-general Auvita Rapilla and Trukai on Monday.
“We are not saying that there will be problems, prevention is better than cure at this stage,” Sir John said.
“We are mindful of the fact that there may be tensions during counting and therefore it is extremely important we ensure the safety of children, girls, men and women and people with disabilities that participate in this event,” Rapilla said during Monday’s announcement.
The restricted usage of the Sir John Guise complex for the counting of votes for the NCD regional and Port Moresby North East seats already poses a risk for participants.
 The presence of supporters’ campsites outside the perimeters of the complex look to remain for the duration of the counting period.
It resulted in the measures taken by the PNG Sports Federation and Olympic Committee and Trukai.
The SJGS has been the traditional start and finish venue for the Fun Run over a decade.