Insurance firm boosts netball campaign

PAPUA New Guinea Pepes preparations in the next 12 months have received an overwhelming backing from major sponsor and partner Pacific MMI Insurance.
In Port Moresby yesterday, managing director for the insurance firm Wayne Dorgan, also confirmed that insurance would also be provided in addition to the sponsorship of K90,000.
“We will provide insurance for safe conduct for all our athletes and accompanying officials,” Dorgan said.
The announcement was also witnessed by current coach Pole Kassman, captain Lua Rikis and some members of Pepes squad. 
The national netball team will be involved in two major events over the next 12 months with the first international tournament next month.
The Pepes will attend the Fairprice Foundation Nations Cup tournament from Dec 5-12 followed by the 4th Pacific Netball Series in Fiji from next June 26-30.
“These are important events on our calendar as these tournaments add value to our ranking points and position on the global ranking,” PNG Netball Federation (PNGNF) president Julienne Maliaki said.
Maliaki said PNGNF was positive of improving Pepes current position of 17th placing.
“We are optimistic of bettering our current position and with the inclusion of a number of new players we hope to achieve these results,” Maliaki said.
The Pepes will be aiming to get some positives results in next years pacific netball series after a disappointing series on home soil in June this year. Pepes’ hope of improving their world ranking did not go according to plan when the side captained by Lua Rikis lost all three matches.
The first match was lost to Samoa 62-50 followed by Cook Islands 51-34 and the Pepes were blown off the court in their final match against defending champions Fiji 72-34. 
Also during the press conference the netball boss announced that PNGNF will be selecting two of its up and coming players to participate in Singapore Netball Super League tournament next year.
“We are indeed humble by this gesture and we will ensure that the Pacific MMI Pepes pride themselves in delivering the results that the sponsors and netball community expects,” Maliaki said.