PM hails sports as platform for unity

By PARKER TAMBUA
PRIME Minister James Marape says it wonderful how sports, especially rugby league, have the power to bring together a diverse country like Papua New Guinea.
He said that after Lae Tigers’ 16-10 Digicel Cup premiership triumph over Waghi Tumbe at the Oil Search National Football in Port Moresby on Sunday.
During the trophy presentation to the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored champions, Marape said the grand final was a good example of unity in the country.
“For rugby league and sports, in general, the entire country comes together and it’s great to see that unity,” he said on the eve of the country’s 46th Independence celebrations.
“With a big number of supporters turning up for the grand final, it only reflects the unity in diversity of our beautiful country.
“Thank you to the two teams, the Tigers and Tumbe, for putting up an entertaining performance of the beautiful game of rugby league.
“As we approach our 46 years of nationhood, the atmosphere of this grand final was great that supporters from two different regions and across PNG came together to cheer on these teams.
“Congratulation to the Tigers for a well-deserved win.
“Congratulations to coach Stanley Tepend and his coaching staff for fielding a strong team.”
The prime minister also thanked major sponsor Digicel and other backers for their continued support of rugby league.
“Thank you to the Jiwaka government for backing Tumbe this season,” he said.
“Thank you also to the Chow family and Lae Biscuit Company for their continued support of the Tigers and rugby league in PNG.
“Thank you to the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League and PNG National Rugby League Competition for ensuring the game as the No.1 sport in the country.”