‘Seeds of Hope’ planted in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province in 2019 will be nurtured and nourished through the much-anticipated 2020 Hope Cup tournament.
The cup will be hosted on February 5 -8 in the picturesque Mendi town which is preparing to host the 2021 PNG Games.
The aftermath of 2017 General Elections saw violence and destruction of properties, hitting the reputation of the once peaceful and thriving town.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop, in partnership with his SHP counterpart William Powi, PNG Games Host Committee, PNG Sports Foundation and other key stakeholders, initiated the power of sports in the Hope Cup to bring peace and, restore unity and business confidence in the province.
Governor Parkop said the unrest and insecurity has affected business confidence in the province and has forced locals to migrate to Port Moresby and other urban centres in search of opportunities and, safety and security.
He said while the capital city fully continues to hold the skies of the country together, urban drift has put more pressure on the city’s water and electricity supplies, public transport, waste generation and other utility services.
Petty crimes and unemployment are a concern to the municipal government, he said.
He further stated that the sporting initiative has created a powerful platform to unite the people and their leaders so that migration can be minimised.
“I hope too that in the future the Cup develops into a Peace Festival which can include other platforms like battle of bands, traditional singsings, SME Expo, gospel crusades etc… so we are promoting and elevating the essence of peace and why it’s important for personal, community and national growth and progress,” he said.
Governor Parkop, who led a contingent to Mendi during the Inaugural Hope Cup, said he was satisfied with the outcome of the tournament in December 2019.
The tournament is an annual event between NCD and Southern Highlands with the backing of both governors, he said.
He said he is looking forward to leading a bigger contingent comprising of NCDC Vipers and Lagatois from the city and Motu Koita villages respectively.
This challenge has been sanctioned under the PNG National Rugby League through the PNG Rugby Football League as a one-off match.
He said he has also spoken with Prime Minister James Marape and Hela Governor Philip Undialu about introducing the concept to the province.
The Hope Cup tournament is generating traction with interest being shown by teams from neighbouring provinces comprising of Enga, Hela and Western Highlands.
