Lae Netball Association receives gear from Aust

By EREBIRI ZURENUOC
THE Lae Netball Association received netball equipment from the Australian consulate (Lae) at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Indoor Stadium on Saturday.
The presentation came a month after consul-general Paul Murphy, pictured, announced that the Australia government was looking at developing netball in Lae and Papua New Guinea.
“The Australian government, through its ‘Pacific step-up’ policy, is interested in supporting netball in Lae, PNG and in the Pacific,” Murphy said.
“One of the elements of ‘step-up’ is our sports diplomacy programme, which is about building links between Australia and PNG through sports.”
Lae Netball Association president Shirley Lung said the equipment presented were new shoes, bibs, post pads, balls, nets and rule books.
“It is the first time that we had such a presentation, especially to this association,” said Lung, who received the equipment alongside representatives from the five clubs under the association.
“We are very thankful to our partners, including the Australian consulate.
“This is the first time we will have post pads.”
Murphy said the cost of the equipment and court refurbishment, which is still in progress, was less than K40,000.
Senior player Jenny Magatu said seeing the equipment presented to young girls was great.
“The Lae Netball Association has five clubs,” she said.
“In all those clubs you can see that they are family-oriented.”
“Equipment like these will help more girls to join the clubs to compete in the sport.
“I hope such presentations like this also happen in other sports like basketball and hockey.”