The 2022 Eastern Papua Cup (EPC) kicked off its annual tournament with games and a reconciliation and peace ceremony for the fight that happened on Kiriwina Island and to also respect the fallen members of EPC Association over the last 2 years.
EPC President Dr. Linus Digim’rina said that the initial kick-off for the senior men’s & women’s games started off yesterday, 12th Saturday November, with a total of 39 teams registered. The tournament will run for 5weeks at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) oval.
“We have registered 39 teams from the 16 clubs already, but I won’t be surprised if we end up with 40 or 41 teams by the end of this weekend or next weekend because one or two are still rolling in.”
Dr. Digim’rina said the UPNG Administration, allowed them to book the field for 5 weekends of their games.
He said with two years of postponed games due to COVID, they are excited and feeling anxious for this year’s tournament.
“We are excited because when we put out the notice for the EPC games to be hosted this year, we saw a lot of excitement going around on social media. We were anxious because of the payment deadlines we set up, but so far there was a good turn out and we’re excited for this.”
Dr. Digim’rina also mentioned that as part of their reconciliation and peace ceremony, they are raising funds as a contribution towards the people who suffered from the fight that happened back on the island to support them in areas like health and food supply.
“Anyone who sets up a market-stall pays a fee of K50 per day, which goes toward the fundraising drive for the people back home. We are also appealing to anyone who is interested to donate and be part of this drive to help assist our people who have suffered from this unfortunate incident back home. ”