Masters duo awarded

TWO Port Moresby-based women softballers were awarded with certificates and gifts at the recent 2012 Pan Pacific Gold Coast Masters Games in Australia.
They are softball administrator Mary Pino’on and veteran Gazelle softball club player Lasia Kiapen.
The pair were recognised for their continued participation in the regional event since its inception in 2004 as well as their contributions to PNG softball.
They were among a group of players, officials and volunteers from all sports who received certificates of appreciation.
The biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games is the largest event of its kind in the world, with more than 12,000 senior sportsmen and women from more than 20 countries competing in 40 sports.
Competitors from more than 20 countries, including Australia and PNG.
The Games have become a draw-card for sports people seeking friendly competition balanced with a great social program and holiday opportunities.
Pino’on and Kiapen have been attending the Gamest to enjoy the sporting activities and have great time with their old and new friends afterwards. Pino’on began attending the Gold Coast event in 1998 when it was known as the Australasia Pacific Masters Games.
The pair was overwhelmed with the recognition and they urged other softballers in PNG to take part in future games.
During the Games, their team Bissol (PNG) succumbed to a very strong Japanese side and settled for silver. It was sweet revenge for the Japanese, having lost to PNG in a similar play-off in 2008.
For a team that lost all their games in their opening rounds, it was remarkable for Bissol to make a turn-around to go into the finals.