The inaugural Highlands Regional Youth Games (RYGs) will take place at the National Sports Institute (NSI) in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province from July 1st to July 6th, 2024. This was confirmed by Highlands provincial and district representatives at the RYG Consultative Meeting in NSI Goroka last week. Ms. Siviri Lalave, the provincial administrator's Community Development Advisor, acknowledges that Easter Highlands province was awarded the bid to host the inaugural Highlands Regional Youth Games. She went on to say that the games will help address youth issues in the province through sports. The event will be hosted in collaboration with non-governmental organizations and churches. Mr. Joe Itaki, Chairman of the RYG Council, stated that the Regional Youth Games are a rural-focused sporting concept developed through a tripartite partnership between the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA), the PNG Sports Foundation, the Department of Community Development, and Religion. The goal is to bring sporting codes closer to rural youths by involving them in LLG trials, District champions, and ultimately competing at the regional level to be recognized as regional champions. It provides a pathway for rural youths to be exposed to mainstream sporting events, with the possibility of being scouted for future development. This program also includes a day of cultural activities and religious services for all denominations. Meanwhile, the Acting Provincial Administrator for New Ireland province, Mr. Richard Andia recently confirmed Kavieng to host the Inaugural Regional Youth Games for the New Guinea Islands (NGI) region after the bidding was approved by the RYG Council Chairman, Mr. Joe Itaki and PNG Sports Foundation Executive Director, Mr. Albert Veratau at the Kavieng Beach Resort. All provincial and district representatives agree with the decision; the games will take place between September 9th and 13th during the term three school holidays. The Council Chairman, Mr. Itaki emphasizes that resources are shared by the three agencies, as well as the host province. The two regions of Southern and Momase held theirs in 2022 and 2023, respectively, with over 5, 000 audiences, players, and officials congregating in Madang and Alotau, boosting the informal sector business space. Preparations are underway to host the Regional Youth Games this year in Goroka and Kavieng districts. Corporate support sponsors are welcome.