Sports unifies: Tkatchenko

SPORTS is a magnet and a unifying force that brings people together from different provinces and that is important, Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko says.
“Sports will once again bring the nation together in November for the PNG Games,” he said.
Following his visit to West New Britain, the sports minister said the province had gone all out with its governor, the host organising committee and the administration to ensure that this PNG Games was a success for the province and for the country. “I want to say a big thank you and congratulations to WNB Governor Sasindran Muthuvel and his team for their achievements in getting their province Games-ready,” Tkatchenko said.
“The infrastructure put in place will be a lasting legacy for the province and the Islands region.
“I can see many sporting men and women from WNB becoming superstars after the PNG Games,” he said.
The minister made a two-day visit to the province last week to see firsthand the progress of works on sporting facilities including the main stadium, synthetic track, the three satellite venues and accommodation.
Tkatchenko, who was accompanied by Muthuvel, PNG Sports Foundation the chief executive officer Peter Tsiamalili Jr, HOC deputy chairman Dacca Wagai and officials, launched a boxing ring which he donated to the province.
He also opened two new four-in-one classrooms at Walindi and Kapore.
He said the provincial government had not invested in just sports infrastructure but also in building 10 new double-storey classrooms and three new dormitories in a secondary school.
Tkatchenko said these facilities, which he said were suitable accommodation, would be able to cater for the teams travelling in from all over the country.
The minister said he was impressed with the preparations and would be providing a glowing report to the prime minister.