NGCB gives K400,000 for basketball tourney

By JACK AMI
THE National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) presented K400,000 to Basketball Federation PNG on Saturday to help with the hosting of the Fiba U15 Oceania Championships.
NGCB chief operating officer Flex Diapong — on behalf of chief executive Imelda Agon and board chairman Charles Lapa — presented the cheque to Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) president Nick Daroa. It was witnessed by Fiba Oceania competition manager Amanda Jenkins, PNG Sports Foundation senior officer Thomas Kahai, Ronnie Mea and BFPNG executive officer Stephen Damien as well as Team PNG players and officials at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre on Saturday.
Earlier in the week, the Government through Kumul Consolidated Holdings Ltd allocated K400,000 as well to the federation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Abel, the federation patron, and Sports Vice-Minister Wesley Raminai were present then.
Diapong said it was good to put money in the junior development competition as it was where they were supposed to start from.
“It is no secret that PNG has set the benchmark in the Pacific and has created history by playing host to many international sporting events,” Diapong said.
“I believe the event will allow young, talented basketballers to gain experience, exposure and promote tourism sports.
“The event will also encourage communities to actively participate in sports as a pathway to creating a healthy, wealthy and peaceful society — in line with the international agenda of sports development and peace.”
Daroa commended Agon and Lapa for recognising junior development in basketball.