Leader urges for Lahanis support

By ZACHERY PER
FORMER Okapa MP Tom Amukele has urged Eastern Highlands parliamentarians to support the Lahanis rugby league team financially.
Amukele, an ardent supporter, said the Lahanis were the flag-bearers of Eastern Highlands sports and needed support from all nine MPs.
He said former Governor Malcolm Smith Kela had committed K200,000 but the team never got the money.
“I call on new Governor Julie Soso to follow up and get the money to the team. We need your support to take the team into the 2013 competition,” Amukele said.
He also called on politicians to assist with the restoration of the Sir Danny Leahy rugby league oval for the new season.
“We must fix the Sir Danny Leahy rugby league ground, build grandstand and bring the game back there to go for a vigorous campaign for 2013 season,” Amukele said.
 “I strongly appeal to the members for Obura-Wonenara, Kainantu, Okapa, Lufa, Henganofi, Goroka and Daulo to support Lahanis. I know Governor Julie Soso will step in with financial support for the team that belongs to the province,” Amukele said.
He commended businessman Terry Shirley and Unggai-Bena MP Benny Allan for giving financial assistance to the Goroka Lahanis every year.
The former National Alliance strongman, who served as Okapa MP from 2002 to 2007, added that entities such as the Lahanis must be supported by all districts.
“I always follow the team and give them any support that I could afford,” Amukele said.