President-elect Avei vows to continue predecessor’s work

A MASSIVE weekend of netball Goroka, Eastern Highlands, saw the Netball Papua New Guinea council — consisting of 13 associations — voting in a new president during the annual general meeting on Saturday.
The vote in favour of Ulato Avei saw her win eight votes to incumbent Julienne Leka-Maliaki’s five.
Leka-Maliaki has held the posts for the last 10 years.
In her maiden speech as president-elect, Avei said: “I wish to commend former president Julienne Leka-Maliaki and her board for the tremendous work done for the growth of netball throughout the country.
“I give special credit to Julienne.
“As a young leader, she has demonstrated true professionalism and athleticism in netball.
“My new board will do its best to materialise Julienne’s vision.
“That is to create a competitive culture and corporatise netball in PNG.
“It will be challenging but exciting times ahead.
“My board’s  role is to provide clear policy direction to the growth and standard of netball in the country.
“Capacity building of  technical officials and maintaining strong relationships with all provincial and district associations will be our priority next year.
“I wish all the associations the best at the Newcrest National Netball Championships in Goroka.”
The newly-elected board is made up of Avei (Kairuku-Hiri), Iamo Launa (Rigo), Kori Toua (Motu-Koita West) and Wendy Isu (Port Moresby Netball Association)