Sporting culture transforming city: Parkop

Caption:  NCD Governor Powes Parkop

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, June 12, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THOSE were the sentiments of NCD Governor Powes Parkop when describing the change sport has brought to the nation’s capital and sports in the country as a whole.

Speaking at the SP Sports Awards last week, Mr Parkop said the sporting culture of the country has continued to grow post 2015 Pacific Games.

“Celebrating the sporting success of 2015- we are fortunate to have a vibrant sporting culture here in PNG and am proud as the governor of the host city in 2015 Pacific Game to be able to contribute to our sporting culture and our sporting tradition and our sporting history,” Parkop said.

“As the best in the Pacific came to compete against our best in PNG we saw what sport can do for the development of our nation and the power sport has in unifying our people and that is very crucial with a country of a thousand tribes and 860 languages.”

“We saw the power sport has in allowing our people achieve their dreams and inspiring a generation of stars.”

He added that facilities built for the Pacific Games in 2015 will leave a lasting legacy and is part of the transformation of the city and the country- making mention of legacy programs initiated through global sporting bodies.

“Although I may not represent our nation on the sporting front, but I am also a strong believer of the value of sports, physical activity, and healthy living in our city and country.”

“I am pleased that Port Moresby was selected early this year as one of the cities from around the world to be part of the International Active City program that is initiated by the International Olympic Committee.”

“We have also been collaborating with FIFA with another two programs will have lasting legacy to our city and country well beyond the Under20 Womens World Cup to be held here in November and December this year.”

Parkop made special mention of the contribution of corporate entities like SP Brewery in contributing to the culture of sports in the country.

“Your support of the SP Awards over the past 24 years has been tremendous. I would like to acknowledge Stan Joyce the Managing Director of SP who has been here for 21 of those 24 awards years.”

“The SP Sports awards has showcased and rewarded some of our finest athletes and the sporting personnel.”