Softball gives priority to junior development

By HENRY MORABANG
AN effective junior development programme is  one of the requirements for member associations to attend the national softball championships this year.
PNG Softball Federation vice-president Ralph Tarasomo said local associations should give priority to developing a junior programme or competition.
The executive had also agreed to move the championships from Port Moresby to Madang.
He added that Madang was in a strategic location and would give the opportunity for centres such as Ramu, Goroka, Mt Hagen, Oro and Autonomous Region of Bougainville to attend.
Tarasomo said it would also cut down on the expenses of teams traveling for the championships.
He said the federation would like to see these centres attend the championships frequently so that they could benefit.
The federation will also be carrying out some major projects which include a workshop planned for May to address, accredit and certify its technical officials. It has plans to support local associations by providing leadership and management skills, securing sponsorship to implement its goals, assist junior development programmes, expose and market our talents internationally.
There will also be an office with a full time director to oversee the development of the code in other centres, and be partners with other government stakeholders to support violence against women, continue with the HIV/AIDS programme and also give to the PNG Cancer Society.
The federation has also endorsed the John Billy Tokome Rising Star junior development programme. It will start in June ahead of the normal season.
Tarasomo said clubs intending to participate should have boys and girls teams in the U16 category.
They should register their interest with him and Francis Dakeny who will be in charge of the programme.