New rules to cut problems

 By HENRY MORABANG

PROVINCIAL teams going to future PNG Games will have to pay all transport and accommodation costs before arriving in the host province.

That is one of the major changes endorsed by the PNG Games Council in a meeting in Lae last weekend, where members unanimously endorsed the change.

The council agreed to make the change because of the failure by teams to pay outstanding bills as experienced in East New Britain during the fifth Games in Kokopo.

PNG Games Council chairwoman Iammo Launa said other major changes included the increase of participation fees from K500 to K5,000, and a medical check and accreditation of athletes and officials attending the Games.

She said the council supported the changes after receiving reports from the East New Britain host organising committee. 

The report highlighted experiences and challenges faced in Kokopo at the last Games and made recommendations that the council adopted and endorsed to improve the future management and coordination of the Games.

“The changes made will definitely allow for better and effective organisation and administration of future PNG Games,” she said.

“The PNG Games Council will be applying strict guidelines and requirements for provinces to observe and comply with in order to send their teams to future PNG Games.” 

Launa said the PNG Sports Foundation would be establishing appropriate processes to address the improvements and changes resolved by the council. 

“The amended requirements and guidelines must be written and presented in ways and forms for teams, officials and athletes to easily and clearly observe and follow to successfully attend and participate at future PNG Games.” 

She said the amended requirements and guidelines would be distributed to all provinces in time for them to use as they prepare their teams, officials and athletes for the 6th PNG Games to be held in Lae in 2014.