Separate minister for sports crucial

NCD governor says sportsmen, women deserve more support

By ROBINSON LEKA
NATIONAL Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has urged the Government to appoint a separate minister for the sports portfolio which is held by Prime Minister James Marape.
He said the portfolio played an integral part in nation-building and that a standalone minister for sports would help address the issues faced by people involved in sports in the country.
“When I came into parliament (in 2007), I was among a few members who pushed for the portfolio to be standalone because it was in recognition for the power of sports,” he said.
“I think it’s important that we, as the Government, need to look into this because sportsmen and women do a lot for the country.
“This is why I’ve been saying that the portfolio should be given to a separate minister so he can drive sports to be used as a platform to achieve more outside of playing.”
Parkop said the sports minister would be able to look into player welfare and development issues in today’s economy through small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“I’ve suggested that for the new major policy initiative for SMEs the Government has introduced,” he said.
“ We should also try to look at our sports people.
“They have the passion and commitment to carry the name of the country so it’s about time the Government looks at how we can partner with sports to achieve a win-win situation for everyone.
“People in sports have the traits to be successful which can be used in business as well, they have to be disciplined and committed and those are the ingredients for successful SMEs and businesses.”