Team SHP aims for fair selections

 By PETER ESOP WARI

THE Southern Highlands provincial government will make sure athletes from all parts of the province get the chance to be picked for the 6th PNG Games in November.

The plan is for all five districts to be equally involved in the search for talent. 

Provincial sports coordinator Vincent Pesnu said from past experience only one area, Mendi central, had provided the majority of representatives while other districts missed out.

“We will not let this happen again. 

“We want to make sure everyone participates in the tournament at Mendi where the selection committee will choose the best players in the various codes,” Pesnu said. 

He said codes that would form part of the tournament were athletics, basketball, boxing, kickboxing, parasports, league nines, sevens, soccer, touch football, volleyball and taekwondo. 

He said athletics tournaments have been scheduled for August 2-3 and students and the public were encouraged to take part.

Following this will be the provincial tournament involving other codes from August 5-9. 

“We’re aiming to win as many medals as possible. 

“I am not saying we performed poorly in the last games but our goal is to bring home more medals.” 

He wanted all Southern Highlanders, stakeholders and business houses to help support the provincial team.

“With the help of sponsors, the team can achieve its dream,” Pesnu said. 

Paul Yakira is the  team manager and has the task of giving the side its best chance for success in Lae, Morobe.

Team Southern Highlands will be launched next month and medals won in PNG Games from 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2012 will be displayed in the presence of Southern Highlands Governor, William Powi and the five open members as well as sponsors.

The provincial government and Construct Oceanic Limited are the major sponsors of the team.