Morobe commit to 26 sports

MOROBE has indicated it will be hosting 26 sports in the 2014 PNG Games, says Games council chairperson Iamo Launa.
“This will be the second time that Morobe will be hosting the games but it will be a big task ahead of them with 22 provinces to participate. They have given us the indication that they will host 26 sports in 2014,” Launa said.
“Morobe has a lot of existing sporting facilities and the sports foundation has also helped in developing facilities within the Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium.
“Morobe has also confirmed that they would be building a new stadium at Igam.”
Launa reiterated that Morobe, Eastern Highlands and the National Capital District had bid for the 2014 Games. EHP withdrew at the last minute and indicated they wanted to host the 2016 Games.
She said the Games council voted in favour of Morobe, which committed K29 million to host the event.
“The presentation by Morobe Governor Kelly Naru included a financial commitment of K29 million from the provincial government and the Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry provided a letter confirming their support.”
Launa said.
“Most of the commitments made comprised of their members of parliament including the Minister for Community Development that clearly shows that they have solidarity.
“We have experienced some difficulties and also learning a lot from these lessons and we want to ensure that the council had made a decision to make sure that provincial governments underwrite the games and in that way we get political support from the government and provincial government’s commitment to host.”
Launa added that PNG Sports Foundation staff were ready to start building capacity and helping Morobe to train technical officials and administrators.