Many men owe him their sporting careers: MP

PAPUA New Guinea has lost an asset to sport, agriculture and business following the passing of John Nightingale this week.
That was how Sports Vice-Minister Wesley Raminai described Rabaul Gurias founder and chairman when sending his condolences to the family and friends of “Papa Guria”.
When extending his condolence on behalf of the Marape-Steven Government to the Nightingale family, the Kagua-Erave MP said Nightingale’s contribution to the Digicel Cup franchise was an example of excellence in sports.
“The Gurias are a renowned sporting entity that have set some high benchmarks and John is one of the main reasons behind this,” Raminai said in a statement yesterday.
“There are many young men who owe their sporting careers to him.
“The Gurias’ approach in terms of professionalism is on another level and aside from the top quality football they produce, the welfare of players and officials is also appropriately covered, providing employment aside from just match payments.
“It is because of the vision and commitment of men like John that that the Gurias have won premierships, are regular finalists and are always tough to beat.
“His contribution to rugby league was not only confined to the Gurias but the PNG Rugby Football League would have appreciated his contribution in helping out with programmes like the SP Hunters and others.”
Raminai said Nightingale blended into the PNG culture well.
The Nightingale family’s contribution was not only restricted to rugby league but other sports, especially golf through his wife Darrie who represented PNG on a number of occasions.
“While Darrie was flying the PNG flag proudly at events like the Pacific Games, her husband would have been right behind her, making a significant contribution to her success at the national and international levels,” Raminai said.