THE upcoming Goroka show has received K200, 00 from the National Gaming Control Board to get the show underway.
The financial support towards the iconic event is set to take place from 12-19 September at the National Sporting Institute leading into the independence celebration as a tourism flagship program.
The NGCB with the assistance aims at Promoting Small to Medium Enterprise, Youth and women empowerment and encourage the preservation of cultural heritages.
NGCB Chief Executive officer Imelda Agon said in this present modernized society the act of preserving our cultural heritage through generation must continue.
“Cultural heritage and natural history of a nation has a very high value, unique and it is an identity that can be introduced to the world. It affirms our identity as a people because it creates comprehensive frame work for the preservation of cultural heritage that has cultural significance and historical values.
“Culture and its heritages also reflect and shape our values, beliefs and aspirations thereby defining a people’s national identity. It is important to preserve our cultural heritage because it keeps our integrity as a people,” said Agon.
Chairlady of the Goroka show committee Keryn Hargreaves shared the same sentiments saying a country with thousands of cultural heritages must be preserved.
“Preserving our fragile culture is an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of growing globalization.
“Goroka show is one of the event where it bring eight districts in Eastern Highlands together to showcase and display their unique cultural dances and artifacts to the world
“Now as our country works from rebuilding itself from Covid-19 pandemic domestic tourism will be essential for our economic recovery.
“We need Papua New Guineans to travel around our country as more people are vaccinated and it is safe to visit. We did not host Goroka show last year because of Covid-19 which had a negative social and economic impact on our country,” said Hargreaves.
She further said the Goroka show committee commands the NGCB and the PNG government for the support of K200, 000 to host the show next month, September.