Funds come in for Games

THE National Capital District Commission and the Lae Biscuit Company yesterday fulfilled their pledges by donating K407,000 to the PNG Games Council for the upcoming PNG Games in October.
Governor Powes Parkop, before touring the competition venues in Bisini Parade, handed over the much-publicised outstanding K307,000 while Sir Henry Chow of Lae Biscuit  gave K100,000 to support the PNG Games.
Sir Henry, a prominent citizen and businessman, donated the money to ensure underprivileged Papua New Guineans get the chance to showcase their talent during the November Games.
Sir Henry, through his company has been a great supporter of sports through various sponsorships in basketball, rugby league, soccer and the PNG Sports Foundation programmes.
PNG Games event manageress Mary Karo described the presentation as great support as the Games Council needed the money to carry out  preparations to hold the best ever games in the country.
She said the support from the corporate sector, individuals and the National Government had been  overwhelming.
The money would be used for upgrading facilities, logistic supports and other necessary arrangements to help support the NCD and Central Host Organising Committee to stage the PNG Games.
Karo confirmed that 15 centres had confirmed to attend the November Games, bettering the two previous games which had 14 (Lae) and 13 (Goroka) respectively.
The number has increased because of the level of interest from the provinces and the popularity of the event with grassroots.
There would be allowance made for provinces with late entries if the reasons were acceptable by PNG Games Secretariat despite the deadline lapsing last Sept 11.
Karo said the PNG Games was a stage for grassroots competitors to  reach the elite level with examples like Toea Wisil to emulate.
The living testimony of the PNG Games in female athlete Toea Wisil from Western Highlands. Started as barefoot runner to an international and world class runner for Papua New Guinea at regional and international athletic meets.