Volleyball comp affects change in community

A VOLLEYBALL competition is making headway in reducing law and order issues and anti-social behaviour in South Bougainville.
The Kuguiogu-Kararu Sports Association (KUKA) outside Buin has given youth in the area an outlet for their energies and in the process had a positive effect on their communities.
The competition, which has been running over the last four weeksand will continue to Easter, has eight men’s and eight women’s teams taking part with the hopes of teams from nearby villages of Moma and Mamaro to join.
Buin Urban Youth president Augustine Teboro said the KUKA volleyball competition was started with the aim of taking youth away from negative and illicit activities and to help them channel their free time into sport.
“Many of our youths used to be involved in making, selling and drinking homebrew but this sports competition it has taken them away from that,” Teboro said.
“They have stopped their illegal activities and I appeal to our provincial government, and like-minded stakeholders to support our efforts.
“We the Buin Urban Youth Association have taken the lead and we need support.”
With the motto “Serve the Youths – Build the Nation” Teboro said the competition was also the beginning of sports development and mentoring of talent to higher levels competition.
“If you look at it, we are also contributing towards efforts to make Bougainville referendum ready by uniting, mentoring and rehabilitating our youth,” Teboro said.
Teboro said he would not have been able to run an effective programme without the support of volunteers and he thanked his association members and community elders for their support.
He appealed to businesses, the people of Kuguiogu and Kararu and political leaders to support their efforts.
Teboro said funding was needed for administrative costs, to buy trophies, awards and prizes as well as other operational costs.