Games mark Christmas

By LARRY ANDREW
BUSAMANG in Salamaua, Huon Gulf, marked Christmas with games, including canoe racing, as part of the village’s efforts to make the festive celebrations inclusive of everyone.
“We put our heads together to see something different for Christmas in the village instead of soccer tournaments every year,” games chairman Saki Siban told The National.
“Every Christmas, young people only participate in sports activities while the elders provide support.
“So to involve all the villagers, we came up with the Christmas games and to make the event successful, there was support from families, and corporate sponsors Lae Biscuit Company, Prima Smallgoods, Goodman Fielders International (GFI) and Ramu Sugar.”
Siban said the four-day games started on Friday with coconut husking and sack racing.
On Saturday, the villagers competed in canoe racing, tug of war and an ironman contest.
“In the ironman contest, participants were dropped at the starting line at sea where they had to swim to the shore and then sprint along the beach, jumping over two hurdles before finishing with a canoe race,” Siban said. Lae Biscuit Company’s Harry Kaisa said they raised funds for the games and were fortunate enough to secure sponsorship from GFI, Ramu Sugar, Lae Biscuit and Prima Smallgoods. He said some families like the Tomalas also supported the games. “I told the villagers that with limited support, they shouldn’t expect big prizes, what we would be giving were hampers,” Kaisa said.
“We’re fortunate that Prima, GFI, Ramu and Lae Biscuit Company have given us products for the hampers. “It’s not about giving cash or fancy stuff, the biggest thing is to make everyone happy and have fun during Christmas.
“We are looking forward to a better event which could lure Lae residents away from the hustle and bustle of the city.”