Governor happy with State help

 By KYMLIE KARANI

ENGA Governor Peter Ipatas is a happy man after receiving funds from the government for the upgrading of sporting facilities in  his province.

Ipatas said he was grateful for the  help from the O’Neill Government through the Sports Enhancement Programme with a massive K500,000 that was granted by the Minister for Sports and  2015 Pacific Games, Justin Tkatchenko yesterday at the Ministry of Sports office.

Ipatas said the money would be used to upgrade the rugby and soccer fields in Wabag.

“Now with good backing from the government, this gives a good opportunity for our youths and athletes to play on good and proper sporting facilities,” he said.

Tkatchenko said the Sports Enhancement Programme was one that reached out to sports in rural areas.

Other centres and sports that have benefited from the programme include Abau district, Central;  West New Britain, Va’a and other team preparations before the Pacific Mini Games in Wallis and Futuna recently.

“Through this beneficial programme, athletes and youths are able to showcase their unsung talent,” Tkatchenko said.

Ipatas said the Aipos Rugby field and the soccer field would most likely be ready by February 2014 for the start of their respective competitions in March.