The iconic Kira-Kira Cricket Oval in Port Moresby city will be undergoing a major upgrade and developed into a mini cricket stadium, thanks to BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) through its 50for50 Givim Bek initiative.
The Official Groundbreaking ceremony took place yesterday, Wednesday 12th, August, witnessed by the Kira Kira people, BSP staffs and Executives, Motu-Koita Assembly Executives, and clan elders of Kira Kira village.
Goasa Geita – Vaga Clan Elder of Kira Kira village shared a brief history on the cricket oval from its humble beginnings to recent times and how it holds memories to have produced so many great cricket players, past and present that have gone on to represent PNG, both men and women.
Opened in 1974 by Papua New Guinea's first Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, who then was Chief Minister, it holds a significant part of the history of the people of Kira Kira and Port Moresby city. It is also believed to be one of the oldest cricket ovals in the country.
Kira Kira Ward Councilor and Deputy Chairman of the Motu-Koita Assembly, Mr. Babani Harry said the oval holds significance to their history and culture as well.
He went on to thank the BSP Group for their wonderful 50fo50 Givim-bek initiative which will help them to upgrade and construct a new look cricket stadium for the present and future generations of young talents in Kiri Kira village.
In his main address, Mr. Jonathan Harvey, BSP Group General Manager – People & Culture Division, told the people that he understands the importance of this field.
“Beyond sports, this field has been a gathering place where relationship have been strengthened, local economic activities are being encouraged and communities have come together, in a spirit of unity and mutual trust. Recognizing the importance of this landmark, BSP is proud to support the restoration of this wonderful cricket ground, through our BSP 50for50 GivimBek Initiative,” said Mr. Harvey.
He added that as PNG commemorates its 50 years of Independence anniversary, BSP is investing K2.5 million to deliver 50 community projects across the country, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
“This initiative provides an opportunity for BSP staffs to give back to the communities that shape them, and to contribute to projects that make a meaningful difference. And the Kira Kira cricket field upgrade project represents that vision,” said Mr. Harvey.
Chairman of Motu-Koita Assembly, Mr. Russell Wavik thanked Mr. Harvey and the BSP Financial Group for bringing such wonderful community development initiatives down to the communities.
He said that for BSP to choose Kira Kira village is a bonus for the Motu-Koita people and a very historic moment also with the ground-breaking of the iconic cricket oval.
BSP has committed K50, 000 through the 50for50 GivimBek Initiative with a further K30, 000 each from BSP’s Finance & Strategy and Corporate Business Units respectively. Bringing the total to K110, 000 committed from BSP.
Furthermore, Mr. Wavik has also announced that Motu-Koita Assembly will meet the 50for50 initiative with a commitment of K110, 000, bringing the total amount committed, up to K220, 000 for the Kira Kira Cricket Oval upgrade project.
