League inspires peace

PNG LNG Kumuls and SP Hunters coach Michael Marum led a group to Komo station in Hela earlier this month taking with him a messages of determination, commitment and respect for local players.
Marum, NRL manager and former PNG Orchids captain Cathy Neap, and Hunters players William Mone from Hela and Stanton Albert from Southern Highlands spent a day in Komo providing support and encouragement to young men and women who had used rugby league to promote peace and unity in their community.
The desire by youth leaders in Komo to put aside weapons and pick up the ball led to the formation of the Komo Rugby League Football Association with 18 teams — 10 men’s, six women’s and two juniors — competing in the Highlands regional competition this year.
It was the first time women’s teams from Komo had taken part.
Traditional rivalries are now being played out on the field in the spirit of sportsmanship.
The visit delivered a boost to the players and youth leaders and coincided with the association’s trials for the Highlands Zone championship next month.
Before kick-off Mone and Albert conducted a coaching session for the teams while the women’s players were inspired by Neap’s words of encouragement.
The next generation did not miss out with Marum taking some excited children through ball exercises.
Not even a downpour could dampen the enthusiasm of players and spectators.
Marum when addressing the players commended the community saying it was a great step for the people in the area to put down their arms and play sport.
“The game is not just for the young people only, but it is also for the older people as well. You can be part of the sport by being the team manager or help in their training,” Marum said.
Neap encouraged the women said: “It doesn’t matter what people say, if you set your mind to become a rugby player, doctor, pilot or engineer, then you can achieve it. All this is going to happen if you are persistent and committed to your goals and dreams.”
The visit to Komo was facilitated by the PNG LNG project who is a major sponsor of national rugby league team.
“We are truly inspired by the initiative to bring unity through sport led by youth in Komo. We are closer as a community because of these efforts,” ExxonMobil PNG’s upstream asset manager Kim Hahn said.