Nearly 3000 participants showed up over the weekend converged in Angoram Urban, Ward 14 for the Sepik River Tournament. District Sports Coordinator Nolen Gumaim said the tournament that started on Saturday is their final preparation as they count down the days leading up to the Inaugural Momase Regional Youth Games in Madang. “The event was held in collaboration with the churches and was part of the Repentance Day activities.” “The event was held successfully and all our five LLG’s in Yuat, Keram, Karawari, Marienberg (Lower Sepik) and Angoram (Middle Sepik) in attendance.” “The purpose of the tournament was to engage out of school youths both male and female and occupy their idle time that could have been otherwise spent on crime, drinking alcohol, smoking drugs and other illicit activities.” “Most of the participating teams expressed their appreciation to the organizers for hosting the event as it was quite some time when they participated in such sporting program at their level.” Gumaim said a total of 25 Men’s Teams participated in Soccer while 15 Women’s teams competed in Volleyball. He added that there was a good representation of officials from the Provincial Government along with elites from the district. “The Province and District are behind me to ensure we keep our team’s spirit high as we approach game time. We hope to get some good results in the Momase Games.” Gumaim acknowledged the support of Director Sports & Recreation Unit Malcom Limbai, East Sepik Provincial Executive Director Human Resource Emmanuel ToMarum, Director for Climate Change Bradley Pelau, and Coordinator for Referees,Terence Bandi, plus other teams that were on the ground in Wewak. He also thanked local MP and Minister for Forestry Hon. Salio Waipo, District Administrator Martin Anska and Alpha Cash Lending for their support.