Province, authority ink sports deal

THE inaugural Papua Regional Youth Games was launched in Alotau, Milne Bay, following the signing of a host organising committee agreement.
National Youth Development Authority director-general Joe Itaki and provincial administrator Ashan Numa inked the agreement for the Games to be held from March 7-12 next year.
Itaki said the tournament, which was under the Regional Youth Games concept, was aimed at engaging youths across the 15 Papuan districts in meaningful activities such as sports.
“The Regional Youth Games concept aims to expose raw talents in sports, so they can vie for greater sporting duties,” he said.
“For too long, rural youths have become spectators of mainstream sporting events sanctioned by authorities.
“But for the first time, they will participate in a proper sanctioned event — an opportunity to pursue a sporting career.
“After the Papuan Regional Games, we will host the same in the other three regions.
“This is the true reflection of grassroots sports.
“We are proud to help create this platform for rural youths in sports.”