Ipatas Cup launched

The National Sports
Competition organisers target 160 sides across 14 provinces

By PISAI GUMAR
THE Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup (CCIC), Papua New Guinea’s biggest offseason rugby league competition, is targeting about 160 teams across 14 provinces ahead of next month’s kick-off, says an official.
The CCIC calendar was launched on Tuesday to give interested teams enough time to prepare for the competition.
CCIC manager Sam Koim said with a proposed increase of 32 teams from last season, the competition was targeting provinces in Highlands, Mamose and Southern.
Koim said the challenge was to step up in engaging and exposing rural talent.
Koim said although CCIC was aimed at being extended to the New Guinea Islands (New Ireland, Manus, Bougainville, East and West New Britain), the competition had yet to secure a major sponsor from the region and the games played at a central venue.
He said following a New Britain Palm Oil Limited-sponsored team’s participation in the previous campaign, the CCIC management was hoping for similar support this season.
Koim urged interested teams to visit game coordinators in their respective provincial capitals for clearance before depositing their K1,000 registration fee.
“It will also be a huge challenge for us game coordinators without the presence of the late Timothy Lepa who was the chief executive officer of the competition over the last 16 years,” he said.
“This season will see the 17th year of the competition which is becoming a hub for scouting rugby league talent in the country.” Koim acknowledged sponsors Coca-Cola, Enga government, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, Mineral Resource Development Corporation, National Gaming Control Board and NBPOL.

One thought on “Ipatas Cup launched”

  • Congratulation Mr Koim as a Coca Cola Ipatas Cup (CCIC) manager.
    It is a huge responsibility for you but your working committees will work collaboratively with you to conduct a successful competition this year. I as a rugby league player, I thank the sponsors namely; Coca-Cola, Enga government, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, Mineral Resource Development Corporation, National Gaming Control Board and NBPOL for supporting the youth to expose their talents and skills.
    Most of the good players are in the rural areas, through such competitions (Ipatas Cup), those talented stars can be identified and can build and bring about the high standard of our RUGBY LEAGUE.

    Thank you.

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