Rural league team get K20,000 boost

 By PETER REGNAR WARI

A NEW construction company in Southern Highlands has spent almost K20,000 to purchase a full set of uniforms for a Nipa rugby club, who are participating in the PRK Mendi Muruks selections competition.

Kirwan Contractors Ltd presented sets of rugby boots, shorts and jerseys to the Nipa Snipers at Nipa station last Thursday before the games kicked off on Friday.

The district had been known for a series of law and order problems, such as looting along the national highway, production of homebrew and growing marijuana in the past decade but this has dropped after vital developments took place there.

Kirwan Contractors project manager Rolando Dulay said youths played a vital role in the community and addressing their needs was of paramount importance.

“Keeping youths busy, with sporting and community-oriented activities, helps minimise law and order problems — especially in the rural areas,” Dulay said.

“The national and provincial governments, NGOs and business houses have to support and create a climate and environment in which the youths can make a complete and successful transition to become respectable, responsible and worthy citizens of this nation,” he said.

He said the company started its operation in the Nipa-Kutubu district last year and Kirwan director Nick Study had a passion for the youths and had plans to support selected schools and churches.

The firm’s public relations officer Patrick Tombos said youths in the traditional times generally perceived their role as students learning and carrying out orders from their elders but this had changed significantly because of Western influence.

He said the country was currently faced with problems such as law and order, unemployment, poverty, alcohol and drug abuse and many other social problems.

“Looking into the youths needs is vital and such help by Kirwan Contractors has given them hope and confidence to participate in sports. Such contribution towards our youths will help change their mindset to be good citizens of this nation,” he said.

Southern Highlands police task force commanding officer Samuel Bip said youths in the district had changed their behaviour and today needed a combined effort from churches and business houses to help them in their physical and spiritual needs.