Rosso Cup expands

By MALIKAI BANDU
SCORES of cyclists from across Morobe competed in a mountain bike race for the Rosso Cup in Lae last weekend.
The public, including business houses and people living with a disability, competed in the two-day race.
Initiated in 2020 as just a bike race, it has now been expanded as a festival with the inclusion of an arts and craft market, business exhibitions and a boat race.
Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry president John Byrne said the festival was aimed at uniting communities, including business houses, to have fun.
“The Lae festival is an initiative of MP John Rosso to promote unity in the city, and seeing the support of business houses is much appreciated,” he said.
There were divisions for youngsters from 12 to 18, men, women and people living with a disability (wheelchair-bound).
Men’s winner Ethan Arisa, 21, hailed the festival as a fun, social and healthy initiative.
“It’s all about having fun and making new friends, seeing everyone here is exciting, I hope this kind of event continues,” he said.
Rosso said at the festival was an avenue to promote unity and peace.
“Let’s work together to restore Lae to its former glory, the Lae that we grew up in,” he said.
“Seeing you all involved and having fun makes me happy. This will be a regular event.
“We’ll also have the Morobe Show this year.” The city authority said the festival had attracted a lot of support from the business community and it was looking forward to continuing the initiative for the event.