With the launching of its annual festive season basketball and netball tournament that will run for the next two months, the Wanigela village in the Moresby South Electorate came alive recently during the launch by the Moresby South MP, Hon. Justin Tkatchenko and NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop.
“I’m here to ensure that our capital city, our people of a thousand tribe live together.”
Having a combined total of 16 teams-eight netball and eight basketball teams will be vying for the prestigious prize of over K100, 000 co-sponsored by the Moresby South Electorate and the NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop.
Governor Parkop who attended the launching of the tournament commended, Moresby South MP and State Minister Tkatchenko for the initiative.
“It’s the festive period so it’s also good to get us into the moment of Christmas and I’m sure it will be a great tournament, showing good spirit of sportsmanship, everybody playing to their best.”
“We bond and build ourselves as community but importantly we must maintain peace.”
“I am supporting this tournament in Koki-Wanigela, working in partnership to change this community.”
“I have made an investment into sports, community activities and part of it I’m supporting your member to respect the purpose of this festive period.”
“Let’s forget what we have done last year and take advantage of the New Year to progress because God has given us a chance.”
“Let’s start fresh in the new year, to redeem and forgive and set our course for a better new year,” Governor Parkop said.
Gelong Auma, Councilor of Wanigela Village acknowledged the sponsors, Moresby South Electorate and NCD for supporting the 2023 basketball and netball tournament and mentioned that this was another big support to the people of Koki to showcase their skills for sports.
“I really appreciate that support of our leaders to this tournament here.
“It is a great initiative, best part of it, it helps to take our youth off the streets.”
Furthermore, Minister Tkatchennko added that it was all about partnership between NCD Governor Parkop and his electorate in the last 12 years.
“This is about keeping our youth occupied, playing sporting competitions to the benefit of people’s health fitness attitude.”
“This year has been full of challenges and triumphs, but I want to thank you all for your support especially now coming to 2024,” Minister Tkatchenko said.
Meanwhile the Wanigela A grade women’s netball team will be defending their title against the Motu-Koitabu Women’s grand finalist.
And the best netball team that wins the grand final will play against the winner of Motu-Koitabu netball team.