Netball suspends national championships

By PARKER TAMBUA
NETBALL Papua New Guinea has suspended its national championships indefinitely due to host venue Rita Flynn Courts being used by the Government as the Covid-19 isolation centre.
Netball PNG president Ulato Avei told The National on Tuesday that financial constraints also made it impractical to host the tournament in September.
“The Netball PNG board and council has suspended this year’s national championships as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
“The nationwide state of emergency (SOE) has forced the suspension of all competitions, and the national Under-21 and Pepes training programmes. All Associations are encountering financial issues. Their main income is generated from their competitions and sponsorships from business houses.
“Non-activity and the general status of the economy has affected all domestic programmes and competitions.
“Normally, 12 associations — Port Moresby, Kairuku-Hiri, Rigo, Abau, Alotau, Lae, Madang, Goroka, Jiwaka, East New Britain, Kimbe and Kerema — compete in the championships.
“Other associations that had indicated to attend were Wewak and Popondetta.
“Every year, most associations compete in junior (U13, U15, U17 and U21) and senior (A, B and Masters) divisions.
“Furthermore, the resumption of the Rita Flynn Courts will take time as it is being used as our Covid-19 national response centre.
“The Netball PNG board has also decided to reduce this year’s affiliation fee from K1,000 to K500 due to the current situation.”
Avei said the sport’s national governing body would undergo a review of all its programmes when the SOE was lifted after June.