Flames receive jerseys, water bottles for games

THE Flames tipped off their men’s basketball tournament at Hohola in Port Moresby yesterday after having no competitions during the year due to Covid-19.
The three-day tournament comprises of 15 teams split into the Under-13, U17 and senior men’s divisions.
Team manager and sponsor Vonnie Kapi Natto presented five set of uniforms and water bottles for the teams to use in the tournament.
She said the tournament was part of the Kutubu Security Services-sponsored team’s preparations for next season in the Papua New Guinea Men’s Basketball League (PMBL).
“I believe PMBL will start in February, so we’re going to start selecting youths for our team,” Kapi Natto said.
“I’m excited because many of them are quite new.
“So after the tournament, we’ll finalise our squad for next season.”
Tournament director Jerry Pango said for the senior teams, they were allowing only two national representatives to participate and the rest would comprise of youngsters.
“Most of our senior players like Charlie Parapa, Apia Muri, Moi Muri and Obert Muri are divided into each team,” he said.
“The tournament is a lead-up to next season in the PMBL and the local competition which will be held at Hohola.”
Pango commended Kapi Natto for coming up the initiative to involve youths especially during the festive period.
He said it would keep them occupied and away from unproductive activities.
The tournament will end with the finals on Saturday prior to the presentation of trophies and prize monies.