World Cup trophy on PNG tour

BY NATHAN WOTI
UPNG journalism student
The Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy arrived in the country yesterday ahead of its tour of Hula, Central, and Port Moresby.
Cricket Papua New Guinea (CPNG) chief executive Lee McDowell told The National that the tour of the trophy was to celebrate female participation in the sport.
“The trophy is on its’ way to Australia for next year’s Women’s World Cup,” he said.
“It’s here because PNG has a very good record of participation by women and girls, so we want to use it to build awareness.
“Currently, about 48 per cent play cricket so that’s quite high, and it’s a good outlook for the sport.
“We’re probably ranked up there among the highest female participation across the world.
“The tour of the trophy to PNG is aimed at building enthusiasm around the sport and motivating children to aspire to be in the middle of the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) trying to win the World Cup someday.
“This is a trophy that 105 countries can compete for.
“Our Lewas (national women’s cricket team) have gone to the semi-final of the qualifiers and lost.
“So hopefully, with the trophy now in the country, they can feel it to motivate themselves to try to get over the hurdle and participate in the World Cup along with the rest of the top cricket countries.”
The silverware will be in Hula today with Lewas captain Kaia Arua set to accompany the trophy along with CPNG officials.
Tomorrow, the trophy will be displayed at the Australian High Commission before it is taken to Hanuabada and then on to Marianville Secondary School.