Lahi secures stadium, thanks to shipping company

 By GABRIEL LAHOC

LAE’s Lahi soccer association has for the second consecutive year secured the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium as its match venue after Consort Express Lines paid K4,300 to PNG Sports Foundation.

CEL regional sales and marketing manager Phyonna Silikara, last week presented a cheque to PNGSF acting facilities supervisor Rhonda Malaka in the presence of Lahi president Dr Polapoi Chalau and his officials.

The venue hire is part of a three year sponsorship starting last year from the shipping company which also sponsors a participating club, Consort United, in the association.

Chalau, who is also the chief executive officer of Angau general hospital, said the association had developed over the years and had proudly produced good soccer players making Lae a soccer powerhouse centre in the country.

Silikara said CEL’s focus has always been to give back to the communities through the development of sports and worthwhile community projects.

“Lahi soccer’s ability provide a venue for its teams is important. We see our support as not only to the association itself but more importantly to the individuals and clubs that make up the association,” Silikara said.

“We are proud to see that the association has grown and note that there are effectively more people benefiting from the support,” she said.

Over 1,500 players from the association’s 25 clubs in the four divisions will benefit from this sponsorship.

Meanwhile, PNG Sports Foundation sports development officer Aaron Mugaliong urged the Lahi clubs, players and supporters to show discipline and responsibility by taking care of the facilities which will be used to host the 2014 Papua New Guinea Games.