The Momase Regional Youth Games is coming up and a total of 17 out of 26 districts in the Momase region have confirmed their participation in the inaugural event that will be staged in Madang province. Regional Youth Game (RYG) Coordinator John D’siguria said the games are set for 25th-30th September and Tournament Directors in 5 sports will draw up competition draws based on entries received. “Some 4,000 to 5,000 youths are expected to attend this Momase Regional Youth Games. There is overwhelming support and interest being shown by youths and sports administrators in all districts of the region as this is a rural oriented sporting platform,” he said. Preparations are on target by the host the province to ensure visitors are well looked after in Madang for the duration. Event organizers are expecting all 26 districts in the region to be represented, but also acknowledge the difficulties some districts may face. Meanwhile, RYG Council Chairman Joe Itaki said the Regional Youth Games is a rural focused sporting concept that is tailored to unlock the raw sporting talents hidden in our rural settings. “Through this partnership arrangement, we aspire to bring the sporting codes closer to rural youths, so they appreciate sports and expose talents,” said Mr. Itaki. Chairman Itaki said that the engagement of unemployed youths in such organized sporting tournaments will also restore some level of dignity on the youths and foster behavioral change over a period. Law and order and other social issues can be mitigated when unemployed youths are engaged in sports starting from the Local Level Government (LLG), District, Province, and region, as reflected now via the Regional Youth Games. The districts that have confirmed so far are: East Sepik – Ambunti-Drekirkir, Angoram. West Sepik – Aitape, Vanimo Green. Morobe – Bulolo, Wau-Waria, Finchshafen, Huon Gulf, Lae, Markham, Nawaeb. Madang – Usino Bundi, Bogia, Sumkar, Madang, Middle Ramu, Rai Coast.