Kokopo mayor praises sides

By Michael Wartovo
Kokopo mayor Benjamin Mesmin Murliu has acknowledged the support of 26 men’s touch teams and eight women’s volleyball sides for competing in the Baliora Sports Association competitions.
The grand finals for both competitions were played on Thursday.
Murliu said he was happy to see the competitions completing their season on time.
“Our main focus is to deliver such programmes from the Kokopo-Vunamami Urban local level government (KVULLG) to our youths during the Christmas and New Year festivities,” he said.
“This is because we want to prevent them from causing problems in our community.”
Murliu also acknowledged the support of Baliora Barracks community members, including East New Britain police commander Senior Insp Joseph Tabali, for allowing the association to use their venue to host its competitions.
He said this was the third year of the competitions.
“This was an initiative that I started before becoming the mayor of Kokopo,” Murliu said at the presentation of trophies.
“KVULLG has passed a K7 million budget for this year.
“We will sit down in the first quarter of this year to pass a policy paper for our Mayor’s Cup tournament.
“We will also include other sports such as volleyball and softball.”
Meanwhile, Murliu urged the youths to change their attitude towards sports.
He said competing in sports would help change communities for the better.
Murliu also took time out to attend other sporting activities in Kabakaul, Takubar and Malakuna Four.