It’s finally here! Parkop

 

NCD Governor Powes Parkop arriving at the welcome event on Friday.

Players from Mexico arriving.

 

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, November 13, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG) 

FERVENT supporter and proud governor of the National Capital District, Powes Parkop, has assured the visiting teams of the 2016 Under 20 Women’s World Cup the full embrace of Port Moresby during their stay.

He made the remarks on Friday, in reference to the world tournament set to start its first two matches at 4pm today, with the official opening ceremony to take place later tonight at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

“It’s happening at last, we are here. What an event we have been waiting for,” Parkop said.

“I’d like to welcome you on behalf of our city, people, residents of our capital city- all the 15 teams coming from 5 continents of the world.”

“We promise you have not seen nothing yet, PNG is unlike any other place you have seen in this world, because we are a nation of a thousand tribes, you do not find any country like that in this world.”

“Our people are ready to welcome you, ready to give you an experience we hope and I am certain you will never forget.”

The governor sounded a friendly warning to officials of the teams and the few players that were present during the welcome function to not take the PNG team lightly.

“I understand the teams that have been coming to the world cup are the pace setters, but PNG we are playing on home ground.”

“They will come with passion and pride with our residents fully behind them, so please all the visiting teams don’t take our girls lightly- they might give you are shock.”

He told the officials that from the airports to various parts of the city, the community has adopted the 15 teams.

“We are ready to embrace you with supporters in the field with the opening ceremony sold out, closing sold out- and for the next few weeks everyone in the city are under instructions to forget about netball, forget about volleyball, and forget about rugby, we are football fans,” Parkop added.