SAFE CITY VISION ALIGNED WITH THE POWER OF SPORTS FOR DEVELOPMENT
PORT MORESBY: NCD Governor Powes Parkop continues supporting and harnessing the potential of sports as a development tool to achieve NCDC's safe-city vision.
Last night, Governor Parkop attended a fundraising dinner at the Dynasty Restaurant in Amazing Port Moresby.
The fundraiser aims to raise funds to help the PNG Kickboxing team participate in a tournament in Florida's Miami next week.
Governor Parkop highlighted the positive impacts of sports in uniting people, instilling positive value systems and inspiring pride.
He said the success of former kickboxing champion Stanley Nadex is a testament to sports for development.
Governor Parkop emphasized that having realised the importance of investing in sports, NCDC creates and supports many sporting platforms for youths to showcase their potential, which can lead to career pathways.
Acknowledging the presence of the Minister for Higher Education and Sports, Hon. Don Polye and the CEO of the PNG Sports Foundation, Mr Albert Veratau, Governor Parkop calls on the National Government to consider sports as a priority investment as well because it engages youths in positive pathways.
The Governor praised the work of the PNG Kickboxing Federation, especially Mr Nandex, for nurturing a new breed of kickboxers to replace him and shine on global stages representing PNG.
Governor Parkop stressed that the major resource the city boasts about is its people, for whom different pathways are created to realise their dreams.
He also admitted that creating pathways for the young and energetic population is a challenge all government levels face.
He added out of 70,000 young people who pass out Grade 12 every year, only 30,000 are absorbed into the formal tertiary education pathways.
“What about the rest? What about those who never went to school?”
“Kickboxing and sports must be seen in this context,” said the Governor.
“That is the power of sport.”