K9.8mil stadium for New Ireland

The National Sports
Province aiming to field Digicel Cup side in 2022

THE New Ireland government will build a new stadium at a cost of K9.8 million which should help its partnership should the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League flourish in the province.
The partnership will see the government allocate K100,000 per annum for the next five years to help the new provincial rugby league board and the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) develop the sport in New Ireland.
“New Ireland sons and daughters will have a proper stadium to come together for sports,” deputy governor Sammy Missen said during New Ireland Day at Kopkop showground in Kavieng on Monday.
“It is going to be a great sporting wonder in the New Guinea Islands.
“I believe this will be the first professional stadium in the region.
“We will be able to host major sporting events here at Kopkop.
“Kopkop, you will never be the same.”
PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka told The National that the stadium, understood to be scheduled for completion by September next year, would help New Ireland’s bid to field a team in the Digicel Cup in 2022.
He said the partnership was an important milestone for rugby league in the country and thanked New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan for supporting the sport.
Tsaka attended the groundbreaking ceremony with PNG Kumuls head coach Michael Marum, PNGRFL chief executive Reatau Rau, New Guinea Islands development officer Solomon Darius and game development manager Toksy Nema.
“PNGRFL was invited by Sir Julius and the New Ireland government to celebrate three milestones,” he said.
“Firstly, to celebrate New Ireland Day with him, his government and the people of the province.
“Secondly, to partake in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new stadium.
“Thirdly, to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the provincial government to promote and support the development of rugby league in New Ireland.
“During the (MoU) signing, the provincial government presented a cheque for K50,000 to start work on the partnership.
“The government further committed K100,000 per annum for the next five years to support the game in New Ireland.
“These funds will support the provincial rugby league board and its programmes in New Ireland.”

8 comments

  • a change is way forward for NI. We need to on par with the rest of the Rugby playing centres

    • I dont think so,such huge some of money must be used for development .People still suffering from lack of service like good health,schools and other development you might think of.BUT government of the day ignore by turning a blind eye .(How can people New Ireland from in what ways.) Mipal struggle stap na geverment laik buildim stadium. FAUL PINIS

  • Good for NIP but what about other Provinces around the country. Can the members of each of provinces allocate some money from DSIP and PSIP for such projects in every Province so that people can change their mindset on sports rather than illegal activities.

  • Sounds like K500,000.00 will be allocated to some negotiated firm for feasibility design study etc. That will eventuate into nothing happening.

  • There’s nothing good about building stadium that cost 9.8 million kina when most of our people are suffering in poverty and lacking basic services.

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