James warns federations

By PATRICIA KEAMO
NATIONAL federations have been warned to seek approval from the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation (PNGSF) to hold any activities, including training and matches, as per the new measures from National Pandemic Controller and Police Commissioner David Manning.
Effective as of yesterday, the measure said PNGSF would be responsible for approving requests from affiliated bodies to play matches or continue training and these must be in consultation with the Covid-19 protocols.
PNGSF acting chief executive Micah James told The National that this applied to affiliates that had already commenced their competitions or trainings as well as those that were yet to start and spectators would not be allowed until the pandemic was under control or the measure revoked by the controller.
“Sporting bodies that have not started their competitions and those that have already commenced their competitions must seek approval again from PNGSF through our pandemic management committee, headed by chairman Dr Kapua Kapua,” he said.
“Inspections will be carried out again to ensure that the facilities are in good shape.
“The ‘new normal’ protocols are in place and hygiene measures —including sanitisers, mask control measures and so on — are to be strictly enforced.”
James said all sporting venues that were open to the public, including the gyms, pools, courts and tracks, were restricted as of yesterday.
Meanwhile, he said the PNG Football Association (PNGFA) would have to seek approval from PNGSF to host the upcoming Women’s National Soccer League finals.
The National had attempted to get a comment from PNGFA but a formal response was yet to be made, pending discussions with the committee and management.
“This applies to all other sporting bodies as well and no spectators will be allowed to any matches until such time when the pandemic is under control,” James said.
The sporting fraternity and supporters are advised to adhere to the measures and comply with the Covid-19 protocols.