Goroka club boss continues support

By ZACHERY PER
THE initiative to keep urban youths occupied in sporting activities to divert their attention from causing law and order problems has not been getting the much-needed attention from relevant Government agencies, a rugby league club owner in Goroka says.
Uncle’s Cottage Pride club owner Ben Noel said there were no incentives for businesses to sponsor sports club in urban settlements that had large youth populations that were likely to cause law and order problems.
“We need Government leaders and corporate organisations to step in and support initiatives to empower urban youths to focus on living positive lives,” Noel said.
“I have been sponsoring sports for many years including this year with the Uncle’s Cottage Pride in the Goroka league and see no value for it.”
Noel said if he did not do something impactful in the sommunity no one else would and the youth were a part of the community so they need some attention.
Noel highlighted these during the Pride’s presentation at Gala village near Mt Kiss, northeast Goroka, last Saturday.
Best forward, backs, top performers and coach awards were presented.
“If I decide to stage the presentation in a hotel, there would be limited space and everyone would not get a chance to attend, therefore I held it at my village to give everyone a chance to participate,” Noel said.
Noel thanked the players, their spouses, management, technical officials, coaching staff and the supporters for giving their undivided support to the Pride during the season where all grades made finals appearances.
Noel paid tribute to the Pride women’s team for making the grand final. Unfortunately they lost but each players were presented medals.
Noel assured the players that they would be just as successful under the Uncle’s Cottage brand.
Six pigs were killed and cooked on the day along with other local delicacies prepared for the players, officials and supporters during the presentation.
Head coach Steve Saki said players wishing to join the Pride were welcome to come and get forms to fill and submit to play to play for the club next season — this was a requirement Noel instituted.