Follow Beni, Prime Minister urges sportsmen and women

PRIME Minister James Marape has urged young sportsmen and women to follow in the footsteps of former professional boxer and Commonwealth champion, the late Martin Beni.
He said that last Friday after learning of Beni’s passing in Port Moresby on Wednesday.
“I am saddened,” Marape said.
“I pass on my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of the late Martin Beni on his passing.
“He was one of those Papua New Guineans who put the country on the world map in the period leading up to Independence in 1975.
“In fact, exactly 12 months before we gained Independence from Australia, Beni put PNG on the world map by beating an Australian champion. “Legend has it that on Sept 26, 1974, the House of Assembly in Port Moresby rose early.
“(Then) Chief Minister Michael Somare drove a short distance to Port Moresby’s Sir Hubert Murray Stadium to see our boxing hero contest in an international bout against Australian lightweight champion Colin Cassidy
“The chief had a ringside seat and followed each blow as Beni eventually knocked out Cassidy and was on his way to a Commonwealth ranking in professional boxing.
“Beni created a tremendous sense of pride and nationalism in the 12 months leading up to Independence.” Marape said even though PNG did not have sporting facilities during those days, that wasn’t an obstacle for Beni who became a world-rated champion boxer.
“The late Martin Beni showed us that where there is a will, there is a way,” he said.
“I urge all our young sports people to strive to reach the lofty heights that he had reached.
“May the memories of this great Papua New Guinean continue to inspire us, not only in sports, but in everything we do. Rest in peace, champion.”