Enga peace and unity games kick off ahead of independence

The Enga Peace and Unity Games kicked off today in Wabag as part of activities leading into Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Aligned with its theme, the three-day event uses sports to foster peace and unity among local youths.

The tournament will also serve as a trial ground for selectors to pick Team Enga to represent the province at the upcoming PNG Games.

Athletes from all six districts of Enga arrived in Wabag yesterday to compete across six sports: soccer, basketball, volleyball, kickboxing, rugby league nines, and rugby sevens.

Addressing participants before competition got underway, Enga Provincial Sports Council Chairman Nathan Lapakio commended the turn-out, particularly noting the efforts of youths coming from areas recently affected by tribal conflicts.

"Thank you to our youths, especially those from conflict zones, for making the effort to participate in the Peace and Unity Games despite the ongoing challenges in your respective districts," Lapakio said.

While matches are already underway, the games will be officially opened later in the week following the arrival of Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas and Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka, who are currently out of the province.

Tsaka also serves as chairman of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League [PNGRFL] and the Asia-Pacific Rugby League [APRL].