K12.1 million (US$3.44 million) for the Pacific Games in Honiara has been approved by Cabinet last Thursday, says Papua New Guinea Sports Minister Don Polye.
“The Cabinet of Prime Minister James Marape has approved a K12.1 million (US$3.44 million) in support for the preparations of the Games in Honiara and also to prepare for the Olympic,” he told the South Pacific and international Olympic games qualification committee last Friday.
The championship saw boxers from various part of the country competing to be qualified for the Pacific Games.
“I see a lot of talent and skills in the young people.
“You come from Manus, Kainantu Eastern Highlands, Mt Hagen, Central Province, NCD (National Capital District) and everywhere in Papua New Guinea. I’m very proud of you young people because you are taking up the right sports,” Polye said.
He said the match would enable them to qualify not only for the Pacific Games in Honiara but also for the Olympic.
“I have confidence in you. The second achievement, you’re building your pathways to the Olympic Games and I’d like to applaud the PNG Olympic Committee for facilitating and creating the pathway up to the Olympic level.
“I noted that other body contact sports in PNG don’t have such a pathway up to the top international level but boxing does,” he said.
“I will see what can do to support you.
“In the past I see that resourcing of the sports federation has been a challenge, I also know from the advisory to me by the president as well that you need support.
“I’ve been put in place as the minister for sports and I know I’m going to support you in boxing.”
SOURCE: POST COURIER/PACNEWS
