The Rabaul Rugby Schools Select Side (RRSSS) team will kick off its 2022 season with a K40,000 sponsorship boost from BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP). The team is among 12 that will take part in the 2022 seasons of the Rabaul Rugby Football League (RRFL) School Rugby League Competition in East New Britain Province. BSP Rabaul Branch Manager David Pilai said BSP continues in the path to identify, develop and support young talents through sports and what better way to do so through this sponsorship of K40,000 towards the Rabaul Schools Select Side and (RRFL) competition for yet another year. “BSP believes in supporting the communities we operate in. Whether it be through sports development among our youngsters in the community level or through our Community Projects covering Health and Education, one of which you can see if you go to Matupit. “This sponsorship support will go towards upgrading the second sports field which will be used in the competition. Trophies, sporting equipment and competition cost is also covered in this sponsorship by BSP. Apart from the K40, 000 sponsorship, BSP will also run Financial Literacy Training in selected grades in schools that are participating in this competition,” Mr Pilai added. RRFL President Michael Marum on behalf of the Rabaul Rugby League Executives, School Coordinators, staff and officials thanked BSP for coming through with a sponsorship of K40, 000 again in 2022. Last year’s sponsorship saw 750 students from five (5) different schools in Rabaul participate in the Rabaul Rugby School League program. “Rabaul rugby league in its revival stages in 2021 has already become a model league in the country which has a fair representation of players of men, women, boys and girls. This is something we are proud off. We set high standards in our competition seniors and juniors and want to become better ambassadors of the code, place we come from and who we represent,” Mr Marum said. “Without BSP’s support we would have not been able to send 60 of our kids to represent Rabaul in Kokopo during the schools championships, NGI in Port Moresby during the national schools championships which was something our players have been missing out on for nearly 20 years. With this partnership our future kids can see the partway we have created for them to be able to also participate in such programs in years to come. We look forward to a successful 2022 school competition,” the president added. BSP as the biggest financial and banking institution in PNG and the Pacific, not only assist rugby development programs; we also support junior development in other sporting codes such as cricket through the BSP School Kriket Program, Tennis and Squash through their National Championships, Golf through the Junior Pro Am, Indoor and Beach Volleyball, just to name a few. “A testament to this is PNG’s Cricket team - PNG Barramundis. The Barras took part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final Series last year. Nine of the 16 players were identified through their participation in the BSP School Kriket program. Their talents were developed and eventually made it to the senior men’s team to represent PNG. So we hope this sponsorship will also see talents identified and developed for future international rugby matches,” Mr Pilai further added.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has announced the appointment of four females to various management roles within the Company as part of its Vision 2025 to increase the number of females in leadership roles. These includes Ani Topurua who was appointed to the newly created role of Manager Social and Sustainability, Carolyne Manahave as Manager Contracts and Legal, Lyndah Brown as Manager Process Asset Renewal (PAR) Project Interface, and Chantel Christensen as Manager Ok Tedi Way Project. The appointments now bring the total number of female managers in OTML to seven. Ms Topurua has been with OTML since 2004 and held various supervisory roles including Mine Closure Coordinator and most recently Superintendent Socio-Economic Assessment. Ms Manahave has more than 17 years of experience in Contracts and Legal having worked with Newcrest Mining and Oil Search prior to joining OTML in 2018. Prior to her current appointment, she was Superintendent Contracts reporting to Ms Christensen who will now oversee the implementation of the Ok Tedi Way, a program aimed at consolidating and implementing OTML’s vision, values, culture, and management systems. Ms Brown, who joined OTML in 2018 is ideally suited to her new role having transferred from the position of Manager Processing Improvement. The PAR Project is one of OTML’s strategic projects being implemented to extend the life of mine to 2032. OTML Managing Director and CEO, Musje Werror said the elevation of these highly experienced females is part of OTML’s plans to increase female staff in leadership roles and contribute to the company’s growth and success. “Ok Tedi is an equal opportunity employer, and diversity and inclusion are paramount to our success. Females play an important role in our society and when given the leadership opportunity, not only do they succeed as individuals, the company and the country also prospers,” Mr Werror said. The Company targets to increase the number of females in the organisation to 20% and have 25% female representation in leadership roles before the end of 2025

ncsl members with membership ID cards can continue to enjoy discounts with various service providers and one that stands out due to medical needs is partnering with privately owned medical hospitals. Recently, your Society renewed its Value Back Loyalty Program (VBLP) Service Agreement with partner Paradise Private Hospital (PPH) here in NCD for members to enjoy 15% instant discount on all available medical services. Upon initial registration in 2021, PPH agreed to a 12 months term but has since a demand for medical services and has extended the partnership term to 36 months (3 years). Team Leader – Marketing and Client Relations, Ms. Evelove Farapo said ncsl is grateful to PPH for extending the service term as 40% of its members resides in the Nation’s Capital. “We’d like to urge other privately owned medical hospitals to become a partner because there are cross-promotional benefits between ncsl and its service providers under the VBLP,”Ms. Farapo said. “The VBLP is an extension of ncsl’s customer service to reward membership loyalty and especially to retain contributing members. For our members, getting a 15 percent discount is a good deal rather than having to pay 100 percent upfront”, she said. The Hospital’s Director Administration and Finance Mrs. Janet Sios said that PPH valued the partnership as it will expand their service to many Papua New Guineans. “PPH has over the last six years embarked on the improvement of our services by investing in high-end equipment and also in our staff to ensure we reach our goals of serving our people better and making healthcare accessible in our country for our people,” Mrs. Sios said. She continued “our staff have also joined ncsl for savings and this has been a significant outcome for our staff. Staff can now save towards goals and can access more from the financial products on offer by ncsl. We are excited about 2022 and we hope we continue to improve in our services.” Discounts can be obtain through presentation of ncsl membership card at service providers’ locations. Members without a ncsl ID card can visit their nearest ncsl branch to get a membership card for a fee of K20.00. For more information on this article, please contact Ms. Louise Mary Kodor – Media & Communications Officer on 313 2055 or email lkodor@ncsl.com.pg.

Under nutrition comes in many forms and shapes, however stunted growth is the prevalent form in PNG. Stunting (impaired growth and development) in children is caused by an inadequate supply of essential nutrients, such as calcium, protein, vitamins and carbohydrates needed for healthy growth. In August 2021, Papua New Guinea commenced its first trial of milk in schools program. The program implemented by Ilimo Dairy Farm at Nonu Independent Institute of Education, Boroko, Port Moresby is exclusively sponsored by Kina Bank. The program included daily distribution of a Ilimo milk stik that is made from fresh Ilimo milk, to the school’s children and` included class sessions on a variety of topics that helped the children learn about dairy cows, the milk they produce, the nutrients in milk, the benefits of drinking milk and other dairy products such as yoghurt and even ice cream. Gallit Tamir, Business development manager of Innovative Agro Industry, the developers and operators of Ilimo Dairy farm said “Nutrition is an integral part of the child’s academic education. Educate the children on good nutrition, to enable them to make the right choices. Provide the children with nutritious meals and they will incorporate what they are taught”. “Milk contains a full nutritional package. In fact, milk is known to be the number one single food contributor to most of the bone-related growth nutrients. Whole milk alone has 9 essential nutrients that every child needs for their growth” “We are now looking to expand the Milk in Schools program in 2022 and seeking for more sponsors” she added, “the results of the sponsored by Kina Bank are outstanding. Not only did we record impressive positive impact in the physical growth of the children that received the daily dairy portion, moreover their attendance and cognitive development including in aspects monitored such as reading and writing, concentration in class and social skills has reflected remarkable improvement as the program progressed.”

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has expressed great sadness on the passing of Ralph Tarasomo, who was the PNG Baseball and Softball Confederation President and current Deputy Chair of the Justification Committee (JC) attached with Team PNG, at the time of his passing. From 2016 to date, Tarasomo was a member of the Team PNG Justification Committee, and remained as deputy chair to the Justification Committee Chair Kila Dick. The Team PNG Justification Committee (JC), is one of the PNGOC’s seven (7) Committee’s that receives and deliberates on Athletes and Sports applications and selections to have representative duties under Team PNG to the respective cycles of the Olympic Games, Olympic Youth Games, Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games, and the Pacific and Pacific Mini Games. The PNGOC joins the rest of the sporting fraternity in mourning the loss of a vocal and dedicated sports administrator, and also expressed their heart-felt sympathies towards the Tarasomo family on his passing on January 27th. In a brief statement, President Sir John Dawanincura expressed his sincere condolences to Ralph Tarasomo’s three (3) children Talitha, Jack and Salagil and family; and the PNG Baseball and Softball Confederation fraternity, “It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of one of the great personality in sports, a great teacher, mentor, administrator and friend who channeled his passion towards his beloved baseball and softball code until his untimely passing”. On behalf of the PNGOC and its 39 other National Federations and Committees, Sir John added “We share the in the sympathies from across PNG, our thoughts and prayers are with the family on the loss of their loved one. We also remember his wife the late Suluet Tarasomo, who passed on to eternity in November 2021. The passing of both is a great loss to the sports fraternity and the country.

Air Niugini apologises for a number of flights in recent days which have been disrupted due to a much higher number of crew than usual falling sick, as well as the current wet weather conditions across the country impacting on the airline’s operations. The airline is doing everything it can to manage the situation, but will of course not compromise safe operations. Passengers in Lae, Hagen, Madang and some other ports, who were not able to fly out today will be accommodated onto the next available flight. Air Niugini regrets the inconvenience caused, however the safety of our passengers and our employees is always of paramount importance and we seek the public’s understanding.

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) Chairman, Mr Reg Monagi, today announced the appointment of Mr Michael Uiari and Dr Thomas Webster as the newest Independent Trustee Directors of the NSL Board. Mr Monagi welcomed Mr Uiari and Dr Webster, noting that their collective 50-years of experience in their respective fields would quickly make them valuable members of NSL’s Trustee Board. Mr Uiari has over 20 years of extensive legal, management and executive-level experience in PNG's oil and gas, mining and electricity sectors. Throughout his career, he has developed comprehensive skills in strategy and planning, legal functions, analytics, commercial operations, communications, stakeholder engagement and management. Dr Webster brings extensive experience, predominantly in public sector, research and advice. Through his various roles, Dr Webster has refined his skills in Government liaison at both political and bureaucratic levels, property and customary land development issues, stocks and bonds investments, research and data analysis, and policy advocacy. “We expect that the expertise, experience and networks Michael and Thomas [they] have developed throughout their careers will be a great benefit to the Nambawan Super Limited Board and members of the Fund.” Mr Uiari and Dr Webster have been appointed for a 3-year term, in line with the Bank of PNG Prudential Standards related to Corporate Governance for Authorised Superannuation Fund Directors. Directors can be renewed for additional terms, with a maximum tenure of 9-years. “Planning for the future needs of the Board is an important responsibility for the sitting Directors today,” Mr Monagi added. “My fellow NSL Trustee Directors and I have great confidence that Mr Uiari and Dr Webster will play a crucial role in the success of the Fund throughout their tenure.” Nambawan Super is PNG’s oldest superannuation fund and has been building better futures for our members for 60 years. With more than K8.5 billion in Funds Under Management for our more than 208,000 members, NSL is a leading institution that continues to contribute to the growth of PNG.

After almost six years away from the court, one of Australia’s greatest-ever basketball players is back. Former Opals star Lauren Jackson confirmed her return to the sport, signing with NBL1 East team Albury Wodonga Bandits. The 40-year-old, who hails from Albury, will get the chance to play in a stadium named after her at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre. Jackson labelled the chance to play for her hometown team as a “dream come true” and refused to rule out anything, including a potential return to the Opals. “When I played in America and Europe, overseas living the dream, there were times when I just wished I played for Albury at home, so it’s a bit of a dream come true,” Jackson told News Corp. “I haven’t really played for eight years and I haven’t played a game yet so I’ve got not idea what to expect. “After a couple of months of playing NBL1, who knows how I’m going to feel, what I’m going to be doing or how I’ll be playing, it’s a complete unknown. “I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing at the moment because it seems to be working and we’ll see wherever it takes me, who knows? “I’m not closing the door on anything.” Bandits President Luke Smith was ecstatic to have secured the signature of an Australian sporting great. “We’re just over the moon that Lauren’s playing for her hometown and her home club,” Smith said. “It’s huge for the Albury Wodonga Bandits and for the Albury Wodonga community. “I think it’s going to be a really big year and we’re really looking forward to her playing in a stadium named after herself and in front of her friends, family and her two boys. “They’re at the age where they’ll be able to remember seeing their mum play, not only basketball, but basketball at home too.” Aside from the community and family benefits of Jackson playing for the Bandits, Smith expressed his delight about what she will bring to the squad. “Our young players are going to have a massive opportunity to play and train with arguably the world’s best-ever female basketball player,” Smith said. “It’s huge for them, it’s huge for every kid and it’s huge for every basketball player in Albury Wodonga.” Jackson is a four-time Olympic medallist and one of the greatest WNBA players in the league’s history. A 3-time WNBA MVP, she had her No. 15 jersey retired by the Seattle Storm after retiring in 2016 due to a series of chronic knee injuries. At a domestic level, Jackson is a five-time WNBL champion and a four-time WNBL MVP. She is also in the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame and holds the honour of being the first Australian inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. SOURCE: FOX SPORTS

FAST emerging fullback Godfrey Haro has been recalled into the PNG National Men Soccer Team for World Cup 2022 Qatar OFC qualifiers in March. Haro replaced another fullback Giamale Essacu who sustained a hamstring injury during the recent training camp in Port Moresby. The Southern Strikers FC fullback was named in the non-travelling reserve as part of OFC/FIFA's new competition regulations in-light of the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide for teams to have a wider pool of players registered in order to draw from when the need arose. Haro is the first to be called up from this pool of non-travelling reserves and will now join the 25-man travelling team when the final training camp resumes next week. PNGFA Technical Director Paul Isorua after consultation with the coaching staff announced the changes this afternoon based on the facts on hand in consideration of the time limitation and technical advantages of the team. Isorua said the 23-year old Iokea chap in Gulf Province has been part of the training squad for senior men’s team and have attended all past training camps in both Lae and Port Moresby. As stated earlier, as part of OFC/FIFA requirement, the Technical Team had to stick within the squad to announce replacement; hence, Haro's selection to replace injured player Gimale Essacu. Haro deservingly now joins the team of young debutants such Yagi Yasasa, Pala Paul, Mathew David, Stahl Gubag, Ilai Ilarova and Russel Chris who will form the foundation of the future PNG Kapuls team in our bid to slowly under re-shape and re-mould our national team in the years to come. Haro described his recalling to the national team as a great opportunity to excel on the international scene with the PNG Kapuls Mens National football team. The former Gulf Komara fullback thanked PNGFA for giving him another opportunity to represent his country in Doha, Qatar in March, 2022. “I actually did not show my real potential when they announced the final team but was glad I stuck in there for another opportunity to arise. I am very happy to be recalled into the squad,” Haro said. The full team is: Roland Warisan, Russel Chris, Ilai Ilarova (goalkeeper), Alwin Komolong, Felix Komolong, Philip Steven, Joshua Talau, Daniel Joe, Koriak Upaiga, Emmanuel Airem, Godfrey Haro, David Muta, Emmanuel Simon, Jacob Sabua, Yagi Yasasa, Michael Foster, Stahl Gubag, Ati Kepo, Kolu Kepo, Obert Bita, Paul Pala, Raymond Gunemba, Mathew David, Patrick Aisa, Tommy Semmy Head of Delegation: Roy Kamen, Team Manager Joseph Ealadona, Joshua Kayenbing (Assistant Team Manager), Marcos Gusmao (Head Coach), Bob Morris( Assistant Coach), Godfrey Baniau (Goalkeeper Coach), Samson Steven (Kit Manager), Jimmy Kepas (Physio).

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) completed its visit to Papua New Guinea, the 31st country out of the 72 Commonwealth nations and territories it is visiting. The Baton was taken to Wewak on Saturday, 29th of January and was officially welcomed by, PNG Commonwealth Games Association President and Honorary Life Member of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Sir John Dawanincura, East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and the British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea His Excellency, Keith Scott. The Baton spent three (3) days in the country and will leave our shores on Tuesday 1st February 2022. During its time in Papua New Guinea, the Queen’s Baton Relay and PNG Commonwealth Games Association (PNGCGA) took part in various activities and festivities hosted by Governor Bird and the people of East Sepik, which involved over 80 baton bearers that have been specifically selected to showcase and embody the three themes of the QBR, Youth, Journeys that Matter, and Stories given the opportunity to carry and run with the baton. The Queen’s Baton arrived on Saturday morning, January 29th to a Guard of Honour and Traditional Welcome at the Boram Airport in Wewak witnessed by hundreds of East Sepik locals, that turned out in troves to either accompany the Baton on its journey, or play host to it with unique celebrations in their respective villages. East Sepik is known for its diverse culture, traditions and prestigious tourism hotspots’, from the mighty Sepik river to the mountains, and down to the seas with three (3) natural landscape boundaries and localities that give rise to its six (6) districts in the province. In East Sepik: The Queen’s Baton Relay celebrated the youth in sports and sustainable activities, journeys that the notable Game Changers and leaders have taken to alleviate social issues impeding on national development aspirations and foster conversations and stories to bring common good and peace, unity and prosperity to advance developments and growth in sports, health, education and agriculture. Day 1: Saturday 29th of January 2022: Among the notable places visited on Day 1, a special visit to Kreer Heights, at Wewak Town, was made to honour and pay respects at the mausoleum of the founding Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and the longest serving Parliamentarian in the Commonwealth, the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. Here, the Papua New Guinea Commonwealth Games Association President and the British High Commissioner paid their respects with the laying of wreaths at the tomb of the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. Michael Somare, the son of Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was one of the baton bearers who participated in the relay in Wewak. The relay continued through Wewak town ending Day 1 with official speeches in the heart of Wewak town by Governor Alan Bird, British High Commissioner, Keith Scott and President of PNG Commonwealth Games Associations, Sir John Dawanincura. Day 2: Sunday 30th January 2022: At Angoram District the Queen’s Baton Relay visited Kopar, where it witnessed the opening of one of the Largest and Biggest Rivers in PNG locally known as Maus Wara (in pidgin), where the largest breeding ground of Tuna is found in the Southern Hemisphere. The Baton then went to Kambaramba to visit and see the unique lifestyle of its people. Unlike most Sepik villages, the people of Kambaramba build their houses on the river and have maintained this practice for generations as part of their community’s preservation of their natural habitat and river ecosystem. The Baton then journeyed on to the Chambri Lakes to visit the very beautiful Islands, Lakes and local tourist hot spots for perfect getaways to both local and international tourists. It is also where the sacred traditional Haus Man culture and norms are very much alive and still practiced by its people. The Baton then visited Ambunti Dreikikir District, which boasts the vast grassland of the Greater Sepik, and is home of the renown Sepik Crocodile Festival, the largest in the country. The final District completing the journey of Baton was Maprik District, where the Baton visited the tomb of Sir Peter Lus at Maprik. Sir Peter Lus was another founding father of the nation and also a long-serving parliamentarian in PNG’s political history. Maprik is also significant in that the Papua New Guinea National Parliament was built and designed to mirror the Maprik Haus Man. Maprik is locally known as Central Sepik, as it serves as the central and economic hub of the Greater Sepik Region. Sir Peter Lus was one of the greatest supporters of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and his political, educational, economical and social endeavours for the greater good of PNG and its people when he was alive. A short relay and reception in Maprik ended the Queen’s Baton relay in East Sepik Province. Upon its return to Port Moresby, the Queen’s Baton made courtesy visits to the, British High Commission, Papua New Guinea National House of Parliament, PNG Sports Foundation and the PNG Commonwealth Games Association’s Olympic Haus at Boroko, before heading to the Government House where the Governor General, His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae will host a Sunset Reception. Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay has been a tradition for the Commonwealth Games. The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay started at Buckingham Palace on 7 October 2021, when Her Majesty The Queen placed her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton. PNG Commonwealth Games Association President, Sir John Dawanincura said “I am filled with pride that Papua New Guinea had the opportunity to host the Queen’s Baton Relay and be part of this momentous journey. Not only did it give us the opportunity to celebrate the spirit of being Papua New Guinean but it represents the coming together of communities across the whole of the Commonwealth.” Sir John further added “We have relished in the opportunity to commemorate our community’s part in the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay. Everyone here has had a great time taking part in all the activities and supporting our local champions, as they represent Papua New Guinea as Batonbearers.” The Baton will now travel to Solomon Islands to continue in its journey touring the other Commonwealth nations and territories in the build up to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay is an epic journey covering the entirety of the Commonwealth as it will travel to all 72 nations and territories, covering a distance of 140,000 kilometres. For 269 days, the Baton will travel to Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean and the Americas, before it embarks on the final stretch of its journey across England for 25 days. The Queen’s Baton Relay will complete its journey at the Opening Ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022. This is a traditional and fundamental part of the Games and the Opening Ceremony, as the final Batonbearer will pass the Baton back to The Queen. The Queen’s message to the Commonwealth will then be removed from the Baton and read aloud, marking the official start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. For further information about the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay visit: 
www.birmingham2022.com/qbr  

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) completed its visit to Papua New Guinea, the 31st country out of the 72 Commonwealth nations and territories it is visiting. The Baton was taken to Wewak on Saturday, 29th of January and was officially welcomed by, PNG Commonwealth Games Association President and Honorary Life Member of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Sir John Dawanincura, East Sepik Governor Hon. Allan Bird and the British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea His Excellency, Keith Scott. The Baton spent three (3) days in the country and will leave our shores on Tuesday 1st February 2022. During its time in Papua New Guinea, the Queen’s Baton Relay and PNG Commonwealth Games Association (PNGCGA) took part in various activities and festivities hosted by Governor Bird and the people of East Sepik, which involved over 80 baton bearers that have been specifically selected to showcase and embody the three themes of the QBR, Youth, Journeys that Matter, and Stories given the opportunity to carry and run with the baton. The Queen’s Baton arrived on Saturday morning, January 29th to a Guard of Honour and Traditional Welcome at the Boram Airport in Wewak witnessed by hundreds of East Sepik locals, that turned out in troves to either accompany the Baton on its journey, or play host to it with unique celebrations in their respective villages. East Sepik is known for its diverse culture, traditions and prestigious tourism hotspots’, from the mighty Sepik river to the mountains, and down to the seas with three (3) natural landscape boundaries and localities that give rise to its six (6) districts in the province. In East Sepik: The Queen’s Baton Relay celebrated the youth in sports and sustainable activities, journeys that the notable Game Changers and leaders have taken to alleviate social issues impeding on national development aspirations and foster conversations and stories to bring common good and peace, unity and prosperity to advance developments and growth in sports, health, education and agriculture. Day 1: Saturday 29th of January 2022: Among the notable places visited on Day 1, a special visit to Kreer Heights, at Wewak Town, was made to honour and pay respects at the mausoleum of the founding Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and the longest serving Parliamentarian in the Commonwealth, the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. Here, the Papua New Guinea Commonwealth Games Association President and the British High Commissioner paid their respects with the laying of wreaths at the tomb of the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. Michael Somare, the son of Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was one of the baton bearers who participated in the relay in Wewak. The relay continued through Wewak town ending Day 1 with official speeches in the heart of Wewak town by Governor Alan Bird, British High Commissioner, Keith Scott and President of PNG Commonwealth Games Associations, Sir John Dawanincura. Day 2: Sunday 30th January 2022: At Angoram District the Queen’s Baton Relay visited Kopar, where it witnessed the opening of one of the Largest and Biggest Rivers in PNG locally known as Maus Wara (in pidgin), where the largest breeding ground of Tuna is found in the Southern Hemisphere. The Baton then went to Kambaramba to visit and see the unique lifestyle of its people. Unlike most Sepik villages, the people of Kambaramba build their houses on the river and have maintained this practice for generations as part of their community’s preservation of their natural habitat and river ecosystem. The Baton then journeyed on to the Chambri Lakes to visit the very beautiful Islands, Lakes and local tourist hot spots for perfect getaways to both local and international tourists. It is also where the sacred traditional Haus Man culture and norms are very much alive and still practiced by its people. The Baton then visited Ambunti Dreikikir District, which boasts the vast grassland of the Greater Sepik, and is home of the renown Sepik Crocodile Festival, the largest in the country. The final District completing the journey of Baton was Maprik District, where the Baton visited the tomb of Sir Peter Lus at Maprik. Sir Peter Lus was another founding father of the nation and also a long-serving parliamentarian in PNG’s political history. Maprik is also significant in that the Papua New Guinea National Parliament was built and designed to mirror the Maprik Haus Man. Maprik is locally known as Central Sepik, as it serves as the central and economic hub of the Greater Sepik Region. Sir Peter Lus was one of the greatest supporters of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and his political, educational, economical and social endeavours for the greater good of PNG and its people when he was alive. A short relay and reception in Maprik ended the Queen’s Baton relay in East Sepik Province. Upon its return to Port Moresby, the Queen’s Baton made courtesy visits to the, British High Commission, Papua New Guinea National House of Parliament, PNG Sports Foundation and the PNG Commonwealth Games Association’s Olympic Haus at Boroko, before heading to the Government House where the Governor General, His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae will host a Sunset Reception. Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay has been a tradition for the Commonwealth Games. The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay started at Buckingham Palace on 7 October 2021, when Her Majesty The Queen placed her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton. PNG Commonwealth Games Association President, Sir John Dawanincura said “I am filled with pride that Papua New Guinea had the opportunity to host the Queen’s Baton Relay and be part of this momentous journey. Not only did it give us the opportunity to celebrate the spirit of being Papua New Guinean but it represents the coming together of communities across the whole of the Commonwealth.” Sir John further added “We have relished in the opportunity to commemorate our community’s part in the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay. Everyone here has had a great time taking part in all the activities and supporting our local champions, as they represent Papua New Guinea as Baton bearers.” The Baton will now travel to Solomon Islands to continue in its journey touring the other Commonwealth nations and territories in the build up to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay is an epic journey covering the entirety of the Commonwealth as it will travel to all 72 nations and territories, covering a distance of 140,000 kilometres. For 269 days, the Baton will travel to Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean and the Americas, before it embarks on the final stretch of its journey across England for 25 days. The Queen’s Baton Relay will complete its journey at the Opening Ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022. This is a traditional and fundamental part of the Games and the Opening Ceremony, as the final Batonbearer will pass the Baton back to The Queen. The Queen’s message to the Commonwealth will then be removed from the Baton and read aloud, marking the official start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. For further information about the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay visit: 
www.birmingham2022.com/qbr

NRL legend Cooper Cronk believes new Storm recruit Xavier Coates has the potential to become one of the best wingers in the game in a warning to the rest of the competition. The 20-year-old made the move south from the Broncos and already has Origin experience under his belt being a part of the winning 2020 side and the 2021 team. Coates has become known for his acrobatic try scoring ability and his blistering pace, made all the more impressive by his imposing frame out on the wing. After making the big switch, former Storm premiership winner Cooper Cronk believes coach Craig Bellamy knows exactly how to take Coates’ game to the next level. “I think it is scary what Xavier Coates could do this year,” Cronk said. “Melbourne Storm have a history of finding players, particularly on the wing, Coates is already a star, he has played Origin but he could become one of the elite wingers in the competition. “I think of Koroibete, Vunivalu, Addo-Carr and I think Xavier Coates will be pushing that marker to be one of the best wingers in the game within a very quick period within the start of the 2022 season.” Melbourne’s new recruit possesses all the hallmarks of a top-quality winger including “speed to burn and electric skills up in the air” and Cronk believes he has them all in spades. But there is one aspect of his game that could be pivotal to his success at the Victorian club. “Defensively, Craig Bellamy will instil that into his bones about how to defend on the wing and he has good decision makers inside of him, I imagine he is going to play outside Justin Olam,” Cronk said. “The ingredients are there for Xavier Coates to just follow in Josh Addo-Carr’s footsteps.” SOURCE: FOX SPORTS