A PAPUA New Guinean hooper has had a court named after him for his contribution to basketball not only as a national representative but also for having a positive impact on his local community.
Last Saturday, the Kaugere community witnessed the official opening of a K300,000 refurbished sporting courts named after PNG national basketball player Moi Muri.
The Muri Sporting Courts comprises of basketball, volleyball and netball courts and it was opened by National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop and Port Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko.
The facility was named after former basketball player, 63-year-old Moi Muri from Baimuru in Gulf.
Muri took up basketball in late 1970s and played representative games in the country and overseas.
Muri introduced basketball to the Kaugere community and has started training the younger generation.
Together with his siblings, Robert and Willie, they formed the Rabia Basketball Club in 1987 with the hope of helping the youths stay out of trouble.
Since then, Muri still stands on the courts in Kaugere among youths to carry on what he believes in.
He went on to represent the country three times as a player and has coached the national basketball team, which has featured his children.
“I’m the luckiest father, having travelled with my children to basketball tournaments in the country and overseas,” Muri said.
“I’m honoured to have these facilities named after me.
“These things happen as a legacy but I’m here standing and actually looking at the facilities, which makes me so proud.
“Sports is a tool that we use today to help young kids build their sporting career.”
Parkop, who officially opened the Muri Courts, urged the people to take care of the facilities.
He said one way of transforming the community is through sports.
“You can use that platform to create a pathway for the future,” Parkop said.
“You can represent our country —start small in South Side to NCD, the country and the world.
“From this humble beginning of this courts, we are supporting these facilities as a pathway to create opportunity for the young people.”
“I appeal to you all to look after these facilities.
“I’m happy that you have named the courts after the Muri family.
“They are a humble family but champions in representing our city, country and our people at all levels, international, regional and local.
“In honouring the Muri family, we must look after these facilities.”
Parkop made a commitment of K10,000 for each of the sporting codes to host their competition.
Local MP Tkatchenko said the sports courts were upgraded with support from the Moresby South District Development Authority and a Chinese grant.
“The Muri family have contributed by playing basketball, volleyball and others sports at the national and international level,” he said.
“Thank you, Muri family, your name is now set forever in this facility at Kaugere, where people will recognise your contribution.
“Please look after the facility and maintain it.”
Meanwhile, Tkatchenko said the first competitions will commence Saturday and Sunday starting next week for three months.
“Everybody is welcome to put in basketball or volley ball teams in the A grade, B grade and juniors,” he said. “It’s all about bringing the communities together in the name of sports, with lots of prizes to be won.”
