Rugby league competition in Ialibu-Pangia achieves purpose

A LOCAL rugby league competition in Ialibu-Pangia, Southern Highlands, concluded its 2020 season last weekend with the finals played on Boxing Day.
The Wiru Rugby League competition held at Marapini village in Ialibu brought 16 teams together to vie for the Walea Cup and cash prizes sponsored by Pivot Pacific Limited, a medical service company.
Competition director Jack Tomo told The National that the aim of the competition was to engage youths in sports and keep them away from illicit activities related to marijuana and alcohol consumption.
Tomo said youths in the village were motivated to play by the appearance and participation of players like former SP Hunters five-eighth Justin Yoka.
“Seeing Justin Yoka playing in the competition was a motivation for the village boys as they gave their best,” Tomo said.
Tomo said input from Israel Eliab, a former SP Hunters player, who sponsored the medals and prize money for the man-of-the-match, made a difference to the competition.
After round robin matches between the 16 teams, Gateway Bulldogs were named champions of the Walea Cup and received K2,000 and the trophy.
Runners-up Swampy Roosters settled for K1,000 while the third-placed team received K500. Both grand finalists received medals on top of their prize money.
Tomo said they usually had a soccer competition in the village however due to a lack of sponsors, the tournament ceased.
Tomo said he saw the need to come up with a sporting activity to occupy the youths so he started the rugby league competition and sought sponsorship with Pivot Pacific Limited coming on board.
Tomo thanked Pivot Pacific managing Dr Aaron Yamo for his sponsorship of K8,000 including the Walea Cup.
Tomo said he was impressed with how the tournament had turned out and that it had accomplished what it set out to do — keep youths occupied during the festive period.