Governor hails Hope Cup a success in Southern Highlands

NATIONAL Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has hailed last month’s inaugural Hope Cup in Mendi, Southern Highlands, a success.
“Overall it was a great success, we had good cooperation from the leaders in Mendi and the province,” he said.
“We had a good welcome from the public. Everybody came together.
“On game day, there was a massive crowd that turned up and the leaders were able to put their differences aside and come together to watch the game (between the Mendi Muruks and Port Moresby Vipers.
“We are also trying to support Mendi so that they can host the PNG games.
“We didn’t go there to bring peace, it is not for us to bring peace to Mendi and Southern Highlands.
“We went there to plant a seed of hope and to be a catalyst for peace. We’ve made that commitment and it’s up to all of us to nourish that seed and grow it so that it bears fruit.”
Parkop thanked Southern Highlands Governor William Powi and his administration for their cooperation which paved the way two entertaining matches in Mendi.
“We had a great game, a close one with the Vipers winning by one point so that’s a testament of the toughness of the game,” he said.
“The curtain-raiser between the Lakatois (Motu-Koita Rugby League) and a Mendi Rugby League select side was also a tough game.
“The local side won by a one try difference and I’m pleased that the Motu-Koita team went out there and played tough in Mendi.”