PNG Games runs out of money

THE PNG Games Organising Committee needs additional funding to successfully host the 4th PNG Games starting in Port Moresby tomorrow.
The K2.3 million allocated to the committee by the Government, a figure based on the previous games in Goroka, has been exhausted.
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, as host governor, has been approached to foot the bill until the committee finds money to reimburse him.
Sports Minister Philemon Embel told Parliament yesterday that K2 million was used for logistics, administration and to upgrade the city’s rundown sporting facilities while K300,000 was given to NCDC, the host committee.
“There are a lot of critics, but I want to assure everyone that this is money well spent,” Embel said.
“If we want sports to become an important catalyst for development, this is the way to go,” he said.
Embel was responding to a series of questions raised by East Sepik Governor Peter Wararu on the credibility of the Games Committee, saying that with the limited time available before the start of the Games, the time for talk was over and everyone needed to work together.
He said the ability of sports to unite the huge number of athletes, logistical staff and service providers was testimony of the importance of sports and that should be recognised.
“Sports have the potential to break down barriers, be a deterrent for drug use, and allow the 50% of the country’s youth population leadership roles, life skills and team building opportunities. Sports are the way to go,” Embel said.