A community-based soccer tournament held in Balimo has marked the conclusion of the Kicks4Western pilot program, promoting inclusion through sport while raising awareness on health and disability issues in Western Province.
The tournament, held earlier this month, brought together local participants and PNG Olympic Committee HERO athletes in what organizers described as a first-of-its-kind initiative for the province.
The event coincided with World AIDS Day and the International Day for Persons with Disability, linking sport with broader community advocacy.
Participants showcased soccer skills developed throughout the Kicks4Western program, while also engaging in discussions around disability inclusion, access to health services, and community connection.
Players were divided into four teams representing the PNG Olympic Committee HERO values of Honesty, Excellence, Respect, and Openness.
The competition concluded with a closely contested grand final that went to a penalty shootout, where Team Openness emerged champions, narrowly defeating Team Respect.
The tournament was supported by PNGOC HERO athletes Linda Pulsan, a powerlifting representative, and Betty Angule, a basketball athlete, who assisted with match facilitation and engaged with participants throughout the event.
Organizers highlighted inclusion as a central focus of the Kicks4Western program, ensuring opportunities were available for participants of varying interests and abilities.
Beyond playing, community members were involved in timekeeping, scorekeeping, match announcing, award presentations, and event coordination.
These inclusive practices were implemented across the entire program, reflecting a shared commitment by Kicks4Western organizers and the PNG Olympic Committee to create sporting environments that are accessible and empowering.
Local service providers were also present throughout the tournament, delivering essential services and advocacy messages to participants and the wider Balimo community.
Balimo Urban Clinic and Hospital provided health checks, including HIV and STI testing, while Western Province Community Development officers shared information on child rights and child protection. SDP Health teams were on site to provide first aid support.
District Coordinator for the Western Provincial Government’s Division of Community Development, Malcolm Sandelai, commended the impact of the initiative.
“This is a great initiative sport that connects so many important aspects of our work. It has been inspiring to see how these tournaments have fostered stronger collaboration among service providers,” Sandelai said.
“The involvement of PNGOC HERO athletes in delivering the event was particularly motivating. You can see participants being actively engaged and excited to participate in sports for their health and wellbeing.”
He added that the success of the pilot tournament demonstrated potential for future expansion.
“From the success of this small tournament, we hope to see the project only grow in the future. We thank KTF and PNGOC for delivering such a successful event,” Sandelai said.
Kicks4Western is part of a broader sport-for-development approach used by KTF, which has previously demonstrated positive outcomes in other regions.
A 2023 evaluation of the Kicks4Kokoda program, which served as the model for the Western Province initiative, recorded increased awareness of support services, improved understanding of sexual and reproductive health, and greater confidence among participants to make informed healthcare decisions.
The program is supported through a Team Up partnership funded by the Australian Government and aims to use sport as a tool to strengthen education, health awareness, and social inclusion among young people and communities.
Organizers also acknowledged the contribution of SDP-funded initiatives, including students from Roy Biyama Balimo Academy and SDP Health Program teams, whose involvement supported the successful delivery of the tournament.
