Five days of competition and kick off in Goroka as the Highlands Regional Youth Games (RYGs) bring together hundreds of athletes from across districts in the Highlands provinces. The games are being hosted from 25 to 29th November 2024 at the National Sports Institute and Youth Centre in Goroka, by the Regional Youth Games Secretariat which is comprised of PNG Sports Foundation, National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) and Community Development. The events aim to foster sportsmanship and readiness for the upcoming 8th PNG Unity Games in SHP come September 2025. The event will also coincide with the Country’s 50th independence celebration and expected to attract more than 30,000 athletes across the country. A total of five sports – Volleyball, soccer, athletics, basketball and touch football are featured in the Highlands regional youth games. Participating provinces include Eastern Highlands, Simbu, Jiwaka and Southern Highlands. Teams were selected from competitions hosted within the districts. PNG Sports Foundation CEO, Micah James emphasize on the broader goals saying, “The games aim to promote exposure for athletes at different levels of competition, sportsmanship, skills development, cultural exchange and inclusivity with major focus in promoting UN 2030 sports agenda on sustainable development goals.” The games also provide opportunities for talent identification and sports excellence development program at the National Sports Institute. From excellence programs, many athletes accessed further studies overseas through the Athlete Scholarship Programs. Meantime, games played at different levels of competition including the notable Regional Youth Games and the PNG Unity Games, continues to have greater impact in integral human development - peace & unity, healthy lifestyle, personal development and respect for one another with greater opportunities in SMEs. Sports also brings other tangible development through sports facilities, which are used by community for diverse programs, national events, cultural and religious ceremonies. After the games complete on November 29, teams return to their home provinces to prepare for the upcoming 8th PNG Games in Southern Highlands Province.