By Lucy Kopana – EMTV Sports, Lae
Netball teams around the country are in Lae this week for the Newcrest National Netball Championships.
The Championship commenced today (18 September, 2018) with the official opening ceremony, followed by the Junior’s championships.
This morning teams arrived in the Sir Ignatius Kilage indoor stadium for the official opening of the 2018 Newcrest National Netball Championships.
The event brought teams from nine provinces and twelve Associations nationwide.
Teams came from Milne Bay, Madang, NCD, Central, West New Britain, Jiwaka, Lae, and a representative from the Chimbu province.
“There’s nine teams in the under 13, nine in the under 15, nine in the under 17, and seven in the under 21.
“So that competition will go over the next two days with the grand finals being held on Thursday. Then we have the Annual General Meeting and that will be followed by the senior national championships, says Emily George Taule, the Director PNG Netball Board.
Present at the opening, a representative from the major sponsor Newcrest Mining, Morobe Administration representative Sheila Haro, and Lae MP John Rosso.
PNG Netball Director Emily George Taule said the Federation has been putting emphasis on up-skilling umpires and coaches.
She says this will help in improving the skill level of players as well.
“These have been made possible not only by Newcrest Mining but also with our partnership with the Oceania Sports Education Program and PNG Sports Foundation,” says Taule.
This is the first year the Chimbu netball Association is also taking part by sending one representative.
“Which makes us very happy because we are trying to get more participation from the Highlands region other than Jiwaka and Goroka,” adds Taule.
The games commence this afternoon (18 September, 2018) with the Junior championships and will continue with the seniors over the weekend.
