Netball tourney scheduled for next month

By PATRICIA KEAMO
A NETBALL tournament is scheduled to be held during next month’s Queen’s Birthday long weekend in Hula, Central, according to an official.
Iga Papaka Cup tournament director Lawrence Lahari said the annual initiative was aimed at continuing the legacy of his late mother, who was a stalwart of the sport, by promoting the code in rural areas.
He told The National that the organising committee was expecting 50 teams to compete this year with 10 teams each in all five divisions.
“The Iga Papaka Cup will be staged during the Queen’s Birthday weekend, with the tip-off on Friday, June 11,” Lahari said.
“Teams will be coming from Motu-Koita West, Tubusereia, Gabagaba, Abau and the surrounding villages of Hula as well as teams from the Port Moresby Netball Association.”
Lahari said with the Rita Flynn Courts — the home of netball — being used for Covid-19 operations, he was confident that the tournament would attract a good turnout of teams and spectators.
“We will make sure hand sanitisers and wash basins are easily accessible to ensure everyone stays clean,” he said.
“Temperature checks will also be done when teams arrive in Hula and before each game.”
So far, 38 teams — four for the U15 division, seven for U18, 11 for A Grade, three for the masters’ category and 13 men’s sides — have registered for the tournament.
The deadline for registration is next Monday.