by Tere Alex – EM TV, Port Moresby
One of the greatest players of all time and rugby league great, Darren Lockyer has left some fond memories for remote island communities in the Namatanai district of New Ireland.
Feni Islands, located in South-East of Namatanai, has recently come alive with the hosting of the Darren Lockyer Rugby League Cup and Volleyball Competition.
Feni Islands, known for its blue sky potential and beautiful island people could not hold back its excitement in meeting rugby league icon, Darren Lockyer and his delegation on Ambitle Island.
Lockyer, who kicked off the cup’s inauguration, said the Cup will see an annual championship of rugby league played, with the winner receiving a trophy cup similar to that of the NRL grand final.
“This initiative will bring the various wards together in a central location. I believe we can expand this to the district at a later stage,” Lockyer said.
Four teams played for the Darren Lockyer trophy and the women played for the Mayur plate in volleyball.
Namatanai MP Byron Chan commended Lockyer and Mayur Exploration management for the initiative in engaging his people in such a sporting event, along with providing much-needed awareness of the company’s exploration activities on the island. He said it is just the beginning of many good things to come.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=io2G0VvCBS8%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
