The AFL Under- 17 Pacific Nations Challenge is coming up in September from the 12th to the 14th in Cairns, Australia and the youngsters from Papua New Guinea (PNG) are also participating, an opportunity of a lifetime for upcoming players, coaches and umpires in the AFL PNG Academy. AFL PNG Development Chairman Mr. Ekonia Peni said he is proud to see more opportunities for young Papua New Guineans to showcase their talent in Australia. “I have no doubt this opportunity will be fulfilling both on and off the footy field during such a special time for our country. We have genuine talent in PNG, and through the work of our AFL PNG Academy programs and player pathways nationally, we want to continue providing opportunities for these coaches, umpires and players to showcase their ability and commitment to the game.” he said. “Over the three days in Cairns, these young players and officials will represent our country with pride and passion, leading the way while creating lasting friendships, connecting with our Pacific brothers and Sisters and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family.” “I would like to thank the Australian Government, through the PacificAus Sports Program, for supporting these aspiring players, coaches and umpires.” Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, Ewen McDonald said the pacific nations share a love of sport and it’s great to see Australian rules football at the heart of Pacific Nations Challenge in Cairns with participants from PNG, Nauru, Fiji, Tonga and Australian First Nations teams. “It is a testament to the continuing close connections we all share across the Blue Pacific,” he said. The AFL PNG Academy teams, Binatangs (male) and Under 17 Kurakums (female), will take on the best players from Nauru, Fiji, Tonga, Cairns and the Cape York and Torres Strait Crusaders in both male and female competitions. Matches will be played at a variety of venues across Cairns, including Cazalys Stadium, Buchan Street Oval and Watsons Oval. The final fixture will be released closer to the event in September. Meanwhile, this tournament also comes at a fitting time ahead of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary on September 16th. The PNG participation was made possible with the support of the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports, celebrating the 50 years of enduring relations as well between the two countries since 1975.