By Lorraine Genia – EM TV Sport, Port Moresby
This year’s edition of the PNG Games is expected to be different from those in previous years.
With a number of changes being made to the administering of the games, the Host Organising Committee will implement an age limitation rule that will see participants to be aged between 12-35 years.
Chairman of the PNG Games Council, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, said this was to give prominence to the younger and upcoming talent, as well as provide an avenue for development.
“The limitation of the age category allows us to identify and give opportunities to those within the age bracket to be able to be competitive and become an opportunity for federations to capture them into their development plans,” said Tsiamalili Jnr.
Among other changes to improve the delivery of the games are improvements to the disputes tribunal.
The previous games in Lae 2014 highlighted the need for stronger implementation of the Games Charter, with many provinces bringing to light several disputes regarding the qualifications and eligibility of athletes.
“Changes and amendments into the charter that we believe is allowing the charter to govern and create an environment where will be available to nurture the athletes to develop at the grassroots level and allow them to rise up to be representatives of this country,” added Tsiamalili Jnr.
Apart from the administrative preparations, Tsiamalili Jnr has continued to praise the work of all stakeholders, in ensuring the readiness of all venues and other operational and logistical demands.
“Everything is on track, right through to administration – we’re on target. Some of the challenges would be with logistics; however it comes down to the provinces to ensure they confirm their numbers.”
With the opening ceremony set for November 26, Kimbe is shaping up to stage the best edition of the PNG Games yet.
