Madang celebrates 51st Independence with canoe racing

Madang continued its 51st Independence Anniversary celebrations yesterday with exciting canoe races featuring the Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles divisions.

The races started at Madang Resort to Tusbab beach, attracting participants and spectators who gathered to witness the traditional water sport as part of the Independence celebrations.

Panu Manu emerged as the winner of the Men’s Singles Canoe Race, finishing ahead of Malmal Panu 1 and Malmal Panu 2.

Kenneth Minik secured fourth place, followed by Kingsley Lauk in fifth and Mathew Nakur in sixth.

In the Women’s Singles division, Rudila Reuben claimed first place, with Delma Murai finishing second and Sharon Bodo third. Raylyn William came fourth, followed by Vena Wiliam in fifth and Fostina Atung in sixth.

The successful races showcased the skills, determination, and sporting spirit of the participants whilst providing entertainment for the people of Madang during the 51st Independence celebrations.

Madang Provincial Events Committee Chairman Siegfried Beschel thanked all the participants who took part in the canoe races and the people of Madang who came out to support and witness the event.

Beschel also acknowledged Telikom Limited for providing additional items that contributed to the canoe race prize packages.

He said the canoe racing program would continue today, following yesterday’s first 35-boat race.

“The top six finishers from yesterday’s race will meet the top six competitors from today’s race, with the leading participants advancing to the final.” he said.

The Chairman urged the public to celebrate responsibly and avoid trouble as Papua New Guinea enters the first year of its next 50 years of nationhood.

He further acknowledged the Madang Provincial Government, the major sponsor of the Independence celebrations, under the leadership of Governor Ramsey Pariwa.

Beschel also expressed appreciation to the other sponsors and partners who supported the celebrations, including Globe Manufacturing Limited, Sigma Construction, Madang Provincial Health Authority, Madang Police, Best Gear Trading Limited, S&N Seeto Limited, 2U Network Limited, Telikom Limited and other supporting partners.

The canoe races remain among the many activities, bringing the people of Madang together to celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Anniversary with pride, unity, and sporting excellence.