In preparation for PNG Games in November, New Ireland Rugby Football League (NIRL) hosted its first selections through the provincial 9’s rugby league tournament in Kavieng.
The provincial 9’s rugby league tournament director Joe Lumaris expressed thanks on behalf of the Games Organizing Committee to the New Ireland Government for its undivided support in hosting the first provincial selections.
With Covid-19 still wreaking havoc on their local sporting calendars, the NIP PNG Games Technical Working Committee is focusing on keeping its athletes busy, so that they are ready when they go for regional and national fixtures.
Lumaris said the NIP PNG Games Working Committee departed Namatanai today.
“Tanir RFL team is okay after sorting them out. We couldn’t let the team out yesterday due to weather conditions. They have fuel and rations and we also gave them some cash for miscellaneous expenses. We gave them 200 litres of fuel and K2,000 in addition for rations and accommodation while they were here at Konos.
“Tanir Rugby Football League Association is an independent sporting organization under the New Ireland Rugby Football League. The NIP PNG Games Technical Working Committee condemns the actions of individuals who are trying to capitalize on our youths for personal gains or to merely score political points.
“We urge individuals not to capitalize on our youths and engage in political debates to tarnish undertakings of the NIP PNG Games Technical Working Committee,” Lumaris said.
He said the New Ireland Government sponsored the Provincial 9s Rugby League Tournament which was facilitated through the NIP PNG Games Technical Working Committee “of which I am the chairman”.
“We acknowledge and thank the New Ireland Rugby Football League (NIRFL) for providing needed technical support which allowed delivery of a successful provincial rugby football league 9’s tournament.”
The NIP PNG Games Technical Working Committee urged all sports and youth councils in all 10 LLGs in New Ireland to stand united and remain focused on serving the interests of the youths.
“We are embarking on a journey that will revolutionize the entire sporting industry here in New Ireland and we must all work together to make this happen,” Lumaris reiterated.
“Larim politics lo han blo ol politician. Larim ol tok pait na political debate lo han blo ol political man-meri. Yumi ol youth I mas sanap strong, stap strong na wok bung wantaim long bringim trupla senis lo people blo Niu Ailan!” Lumaris exclaimed.
