Member for Moresby South Mr Justin Tkatchenko yesterday presented new sets of rugby jerseys to the Moresby South Blacks ‘A’ Grade team as well as the Senior Women’s team at the Moresby South Stadium in Kaugere.
The jerseys were presented ahead of the Southern Super League tournament which is set to commence in a few weeks’ time.
Minister Tkatchenko highlighted that his office is placing emphasis on rugby league because it is a national sport that is loved by everyone from the villages, to the settlements as well as the urban areas.
“Rugby league plays a huge role in the development of sports in Moresby South.”
“It (rugby league) allows us to develop the youths, especially the unemployed youth and give them opportunities that they would never have elsewhere,” the minister said.
Mr Tkatchenko said that the Moresby South Blacks will pave a pathway for young men and women to continue to play and excel in the sport they love and will further enhance them and bring them up to Digicel Cup or even the Hunters levels for the men and the PNG Orchids level for the women.
The minister also took the time to announce that upgrade work on the only district stadium in the country, the Sir William Skate Oval will be commencing in the coming months. This upgrade work will be funded by NCDC and the Moresby South office.
Chairman of the Moresby South Rugby League (MSRL) Mr Brown Murema upon receiving the jerseys thanked the governor of Moresby South for his continued support and commitment towards rugby league within the district and further commended the governor for the great work he has done so far not just for rugby league but on infrastructure development, basic services and law & order within the district as well.
“Rugby league is one of the tools that will drive the young youths from Moresby South to actively participate in the activities that are been rolled out in the district by the office of the minister.”
“The MSRL is not only running a competition here, we are also advocating for and promoting good citizenship,” Mr Murema added.
The MSRL chairman said that Moresby South is looking at setting a standard in the country in terms of using sports to bring about positive development in the community and thanked the governor for a state-of-the-art district stadium and further assured him that the support given will not be going to waste.
Mr Murema also acknowledged the hard work and efforts of his management team headed by Mr Bagelo Solien who is the Executive Manager of MSRL.
He also congratulated the players on finally making the team and urged everyone to give their very best performance in the upcoming tournament.
Photographs by David Elizah