Parkop says city can host big event

NATIONAL Capital District governor Powes Parkop, pictured, says the city can host a Commonwealth Games after 2015.
Speaking at a gathering to mark Team NCD’s impending participation at the Asian Games next year, the second term term governor said if the city could host a successful Pacific Games then a Commonwealth Games was a real possibility.
“Of course we have the 2015 Pacific Games and you all should look forward to that.
“We also have the Commonwealth Games and I’ve already started advocating that after 2015 Pacific Games, Port Moresby is putting its hand up to host a Commonwealth Games,” Parkop said.
He said in the future if PNG wins another bid to host the Pacific Games chances should be given to provinces like East New Britain, Wewak or Hagen to host.
The governor said Port Moresby is putting up its hand to host the Commonwealth Games after the 2015 Pacific Games so everyone should belifting their performances be it management or sports generally.
“If Jamaica can host it (1966) PNG can as well – we are seven million people and have a big economy.”
Glasgow (Scotland) is host of next year’s Commonwealth Games while Gold Coast (Australia) is slated to host the event in 2018.
PNG Games defending champions NCD are preparing to participate in the 17th Asian Games in Singapore.
The move north was brought about by the shelving of the 2013 Arafura Games last year by the Northern Territory state government.
Parkop, who is the patron, assured the city’s aspiring athletes that they would get the opportunity to attend the regional event in Singapore.
Parkop is bidding for his city to become a signatory to the Asian Games which allow NCD to send a team to the competition.
He said the National Capital District Commission was still exploring ways to continue creating pathways for its athletes to show case their talents at the international level.
Governor Parkop said the Commission was there to support sports – identify talents and promote athletes sporting careers to excel.