IT was a spectacular sight at the Barakau village today as they played host to the 2021 Kairuku-Hiri Netball tournament.
The four-day tournament started today (September 20) and will end on Thursday (September 23). A total of 13 villages with three teams each will be taking part in the three competition division under 15, 12, and the A-grade.
The event is an annual event which started four years ago. Last year, Gaire village won the A-grade shield while Boera village took home the under 17 and 15 title. This year all 13 teams in the district showed up ready to contest for the top spot and also make a cut to represent Kairuku-Hiri district in the Central provincial games.
The teams finishing first will receive the Kairuku-Hiri netball tournament shield and a trophy with K500 while the runner ups will be given a trophy with K300 cash. There are also individual awards that will be given away to players.
The 2021 tournament is sponsored by Niu Power Company including individuals. New Power representative along with Keith Iduhu who is on the ground to officially launch the tournament said the event is all about sharing and developing friendship.
“We’ve put in about K22, 000 in total to run the tournament and this will also boost the SME and informal marketing in the village level. It is the first time, the Niu Power have come into Hiri-West in terms of sponsorship of the tournament. I’m very happy for the Niu Power and the reason I’m behind this, is to get people together and participate through events like this,” said Iduhu.
PNG Netball Federation (PNGNF) and also Kairuku-Hiri Netball Association President Ulato Avei said this is to focus on young children and youth development which is also in line with what Netball PNG is doing.
“That particular group (Youth) is the vulnerable group where netball targets at not in grooming them to be better players but also to make them better citizens and leaders in their community.
“There is also a selection process where players will make up the team Kairuku for the upcoming Central provincial games, “said Avei.
All 13 teams arrived and begun the tournament by marching in their outfits and banners around the sandy courts in front of the invited guest and the spectators as they opened the four-day competition.
