Late Numapo a colourful personality, says Raminai

THE country has lost one of its most colourful rugby league personalities following the death of former Papua New Guinea Kumuls captain Bal Numapo, says Sports Vice-Minister Wesley Raminai.
On behalf of the Government, the Kagua-Erave MP paid tribute to the 57-year-old, who he described as a gentleman and an easy person to speak with because of his humility.
“My deepest condolences to the family of the late Numapo,” Raminai said from his hospital bed in Port Moresby yesterday.
He is recovering from a vehicle accident which happened on the Okuk Highway on July 23 while returning to the nation’s capital from an electoral visit.
“We used to hear about him on the radio and read his stories in the newspapers when we were boys,” Raminai said.
“There was a game between the Highlands and Southern zones in Mendi and as a 13-year-old, I had to do my best to find some money to go watch the game because of Numapo.”
When Raminai became a politician, he met the former centre and “I found him to be a very likeable person”.
“He was a gentleman, his humbleness was a distinct feature of his personality,” he said.
Raminai said men like Numapo were examples of what sports could do in terms of contributing to the development of a person.
“I’m sure Numapo’s positive influence was shared with many people during his employment with the Simbu administration, his time as a Kumuls captain and as a coach of the Kundiawa rugby league franchise,” he said.
Raminai said Numapo continued to contribute to the game as an administrator at the provincial and national levels.
Numapo was also involved in programmes relating to areas like climate change.
“Not only have his people lost a reputable person but PNG has lost a sporting icon who has made a lasting impact on many of us,” Raminai said.