POMNA suspends trials, programmes over virus

THE Port Moresby Netball Association has suspended its trials and programmes for 30 days following the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation’s (PNGSF) month-long facilities’ shutdown decision due to the coronavirus.
“Effective after the PNGSF decision, no games and programmes will be conducted for the next 30 days,” association president Linda Ligo told The National yesterday.
POMNA runs its competition at the Rita Flynn Courts which is one of the venues affected by the PNGSF decision.
“At this stage, it is unpredictable as PNGSF have decided to go into a 30-day recess,” Ligo said.
“However, the season is scheduled to start after Easter on April 18.
“As per our 2020 calendar disseminated to all council members in January, we ran our first lot of trials last weekend.
“Our annual general meeting will be held on March 29.”
Ligo said the 30-day recess would not affect the operations of the country’s biggest netball association.
“We scheduled to run our intermediate umpiring and coaching clinic this weekend but since preventive measures have been taken due to the coronavirus, it is important to adhere to them,” she said.
“It is better to be safe than sorry.
“We deal with a lot of children every weekend so it is better to keep them safe at home.”
She discouraged clubs from training until further advice.