Festival seen as an avenue to unite Lae

The National Sports
Lae MP John Rosso (front) during the mountain bike race in the Morobe capital last month.

By MALIKAI BALANDU
THE Lae Festival continues to grow from strength to strength as organisers, under the patronage of MP John Rosso, aim to unite communities in the Morobe capital.
Established as a bike race in 2020, the festival now involves an arts and craft market, business exhibitions and boat racing.
Rosso said the festival was all about unity and inclusivity, as part of an effort to restore Lae to its former glory.

Reigning Rosso Cup women’s champion Gwendolyn Joe, 38, was unable to retain her title.

The two-day event last month attracted scores of cyclists from across Lae and Morobe.
There were divisions for youngsters from 12 to 18, men, women and people living with a disability (wheelchair-bound).
Morobe Disable Agency president Benedict Ehipom said it was the second time that the Lae City Authority, through Rosso, had included them in the festival.
But he said it was more exciting this year as participants living with a disability competed at the Lae Showground.
“They (city authority) recognise our potential in contributing to the city,” Ehipom said.

Persons living with a disability, competing in their division of the race.

“Many times, people say we are disabled and overlook us.
“But this time, it was different.
“Our aim is to create awareness, not only in sports but through art and craft.
“We have creative members who can contribute to the economy.”
Meanwhile, reigning women’s mountain bike champion Gwendolyn Joe said she was unfortunate not to retain her title.
“But I’m happy about the festival,” she said.

The Rosso Cup mountain bike race continues to gain momentum each year.

“It helps us stay fit.
“To compete and socialise with people from other communities was exciting for me.
“I thank to all the sponsors and the city authority for ensuring a successful festival.”
Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry president John Byrne said the festival was also aimed at bringing business houses together to have fun and unite with their stakeholders, including the public.
“The festival is an initiative of MP John Rosso to promote unity in the city, and seeing the support of business houses is much appreciated,” he said.