LNG developer in Komo gives to sport

By YVONNE HAIP
THE district station of Komo in the heart of the multibillion kina liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Southern Highlands will be coming alive this weekend with the rugby touch finals.
Sunday’s footy semi-finals will see PBS Brothers run out against the Jerima Knights, in what is expected to be a thriller witnessed by a big crowd.
The winner of the match goes through to play the finals the following weekend against the Guba Eels.
Such a tournament, which is being sponsored by landowner company, Hides Gas Development Corporation (HGDC), and McDonnell Consolidated Joint Venture (MCJV), is the first of its kind in the area.
The tournament aims to lure youths out of tribal conflicts which they are actively involved in, and introduce them to a more positive way of living.
A total of 26 teams have been competing for an undisclosed amount of money pledged by HGDC, while MCJV sponsored a uniform and player equipment package worth K15,000.
LNG developers, Esso Highlands Ltd, and MCJV are expected to witness this event, as well as stakeholders, including HGDC frontman and tournament director, Philip Tuguyawini.
In witnessing the teams who laid down their bows and arrows for boots and jerseys, IPI camp manager, and tournament promoter, Rex Humbi, applauded the efforts of Tuguyawini and officials in bringing about positive changes in the people’s lives.
Humbi, who is also Hela rugby league president, challenged the youths to perform to the best of their ability as such tournaments would help in identifying the player base for the Hela Wigmen franchise in the Digicel Cup.
He said plans were in place to make the tournament bigger and better by introducing other sports, and women would also  participate.
MCJV representative, Phill Jackar said his company was proud to be part of the coming finals and was pleased to work with the local community in fostering peaceful interactions.