O’Neill hails Surfing PNG for promoting nation

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill, pictured, said he was pleased that the global surfing community was learning about Papua New Guinea as a destination for surfing tourism.
O’Neill made the comments as competitors from around the world prepare to travel to the country for the Kumul PNG World Longboard Championships at Tupira, Madang, from March 18-25.
“PNG is looking forward to hosting the World Surf League Longboard Championship in Madang,” O’Neill said. “I am glad that people around the world are discovering that PNG is a great surfing destination, with challenging waves in pristine waters on beautiful beaches.
“I hope competitors and spectators have an enjoyable time at the first international surfing event held in this country,” he said.
“On behalf of the Government, I congratulate the Surfing Association of PNG for their efforts in promoting the sport in the nation and bringing this competition to our country.
“The Kumul PNG championships will be an outstanding event and showcase outstanding men’s and women’s competitors; I invite surfers from around the world to visit us. I urge members of the public to be in Tupira for the event, or to find out more through the media, so they can gain a better insight into the sport of surfing.
“Surfing is a healthy activity for men and women alike, young and old, and we would like to see more people take up this sport.”