Everyone is in, on the game

By PETER WARI
A FORMER rugby player is urging other sportsmen and athletes to be prepared to support the 2020 PNG Games to be hosted by Southern Highlands. Samuel Pinpin from Wakwak village, a former Mendi Muruks player, is also calling on all his Southern Highlands wantoks to start improving facilities and planning to contribute in one way or another in preparation for the games.
His main concern is in the area of hotels, guesthouses and lodges that would be needed to accommodate the large contingent of athletes and sports officials arriving from around the country for the national games.
Pipin himself has opened a guest house in Mendi called Lower Takere Hostel and was speaking at the official opening of the facility three weeks ago.
Southern Highlands currently does not have proper sporting facilities for such a large sports gathering and the mammoth onus is now upon the local organising committee who clearly need the support of local MPs and leaders.
Chairman of the Southern Highlands local organizing committee Sape Molumi, who accepted the PNG Games flag as new hosts at the closing ceremony of the 2017 games at Muthuvel Stadium in West New Britain said Southern Highlands raised its hands to be the next host, not because it has the facilities or a good stadium, or the money to run it even, but did so to show that this major event should be spread around the country.
Pinpin said the 2020 national games will be a life-changer for many people in the highlands region and an opportunity for them to contribute to this great event.
“This is an event that will benefit the people and importantly change the mindset of the people to think positive and participate in nation building as we (Southern Highlands) have never seen such a huge number of people from around the country coming to this province,” he said.
He expects that the provincial contingents, who will number in the thousands, will require anything from food to sports socks and the people of Southern Highlands will need to start preparing to make their stay, not only enjoyable, but memorable as well.
“We must do our part, stakeholders and the government will do their part too to make sure the event will be successful,” he said.
Pinpin and his wife worked for years to save enough to finally build their dream guest house. He urged local athletes to also work hard and do their part to develop the province, and especially, speak to their people to ensure that law and order is maintained.
“Though there are so many stories about Southern Highlands’ law and order problems, a little contribution by individuals can help change the mindset of other people and together we can change this province.”
Pinpin said constant media reports have branded the province as lawless “but we can show them that we are not and we have changed when the important day comes when we mingle with our countrymen and women.”
National Development Bank (NDB) Mendi Branch Manager Steven Albert said the bank is ready to work with hardworking people like Samuel Pinpin and his wife Diana who have dreams to venture into the world of business.
“NDB is for the grassroots people and it is ready to support the small and medium-enterprise sector and people are free to come and seek assistance.
Lower Takere Hostel is located near North Mendi Primary School, only few minutes from Mendi town. It contains12 room and rates start at K250 per fortnight.