Games will be held as scheduled, says Launa

THE chairperson of the PNG Games Council Iammo Launa, reaffirmed Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko’s assurance that the PNG Games would be held on schedule in November.
Launa, who accompanied Tkatchenko last week to meet the host organising committee and tour the sporting venues and facilities in Kokopo, East New Britain, said everything was progressing as scheduled for the Games.
“The host organising committee (HOC) under the chairmanship of Sir Rabbie Namaliu is doing everything possible to ensure that the venues, facilities and other infrastructure are developed and ready for the event on Nov 19-30,” she said.
“The developments and improvements on sporting grounds and facilities are progressing as planned,” Launa said.
“The HOC with the PNG Games Council have an alternative plan in place should there be any delay or problem with the preparations.”
Launa echoed the minister’s call and urged provincial governments and members of parliament to support and fund their provincial teams to the Games.
Launa, who is also the executive director for PNG Sports Foundation, said that the Games provided an opportunity for sportsmen and women at the “grassroots” level in the provinces to showcase their raw talents for identification and development to elite athletes and eventually take part in the 2015 Pacific Games.
“Those who are going to participate and perform well at the PNG Games will be identified and developed to try to win medals at the 2015 Pacific Games.
“That is why it is important for more sportsmen and women from provinces to attend the games to allow for wider selection and development of athletes to perform at higher and elite level sporting competitions for the country.
“This process is necessary for PNG to participate and win more medals at Pacific Games and other international sporting events,” she said
Only seven provinces have confirmed their attendance at the Games by nominating and completing their entry by numbers and names of athletes.
“Because of the national election most provinces have been slow with their nominations.
“We are extending the deadline for the nomination to Aug 31,” Launa said.
to give time to Provinces to submit their interests.” Mrs Launa said.
The PNG Games Council will be meeting after the deadline of 31st August 2012 to address the nominations and related issues on the preparations for the PNG Games.
Mrs Launa commended the Prime Minister for appointing an oustanding Minister in Honourable Justin Tkatchenko to oversee sports development matters in the country.
“Honourable Tkatchenko is reknown for his outspokenness, passion and practical actions for sports development.  He is keen to see that the PNG Games is held in November this year. He is also adamant that the Pacific Games is hosted at the highest standard as planned in Port Moresby in 2015. He, as Minister should take sports development in PNG to new and greater heights.” she said.