Kerowagi to stage sports tournament

AN offseason basketball, volleyball and touch competition was launched at Kunabau, Gena Waugla local level government council, Kerowagi district in Chimbu over the long weekend.
The Handii Mahn Investment’s Cup competition coincided with New Year and attracted 22 men’s and women’s teams.
The tournament was officially launched on Monday and will end on the second week of this month.
Andy John Dagima is the patron of the tournament.
Teams taking part have come from Gena Waugla and Local Level Government areas like Mingende, Dibinyaundo, Diugl, Kaukau market, Waigar, Basis, Suan, Koronigle, Boom gate, Barawagi, Baglpera, Barmekua and Sumgau.
Dagima said as the host and major sponsor of the competition he had invited the surrounding communities to participate in the tournament irrespective of their differences from the 2017 national elections.
“I felt the current financial situation the country is facing and it affects my operation here too but I feel it is important to help the local communities. I did this for the betterment of my people to promote unity and peace,” Dagima said.
He thanked the teams for their enthusiastic response and said the purpose of the competition was to bring positivity to the lives of the youth during the opening weeks of the New Year.
Dagima said he believed sports was an important tool and a key player in addressing issues and helping to bring peace to communities and it was worth pursuing.
Dagima urged teams and players to respect the tournament by not consuming alcohol, home brew and drugs and causing trouble.
The teams: Landslide Fox, Dibinyaundo Crushers, Swan Dust, Junky Trouts, Wiri Hawks, Kutas, SB United, Reds, Rait Mix, Kair Mix, DCN Jokers, Wasan Parrots, GK Spiders, GSB, Fish Kona, Dragons, BSK Roosters, Ambam Tigers, Dux Central, RB Tigers and Lime Cats.
Major sponsor Handii Mahn Investment Limited put up K20,000 as prize money and also funded the preparation and administration of the tournament with a further K17,000.
Kerowagi health center staff will be on site throughout the competition to tend to injuries while police personnel from Kundiawa will be on hand to provide security.