Martyrs Memorial Secondary athletes bag 20 medals at NCD championships

A student showcasing his medals won at the National Capital District athletics championships recently *(Image: NBC News)*

A team of 13 student-athletes from Martyrs Memorial Secondary School in Northern Province has delivered an outstanding performance at the recent National Capital District Athletics Championships in Port Moresby, capturing 20 medals.

The two-day championship haul included 10 gold, five silver, and five bronze medals.

Among the standout performers were two para-athletes with special needs, Kerian Jewa and Scotty Isaki, who both secured gold medals in their respective divisions. Jewa has a speech and hearing impairment, while Isaki has a speech impairment.

MMS School-based counselor and guidance coordinator Barbara Bungewa praised the team's achievements, stating that the students and five technical officials traveled to the event without support from provincial authorities. Instead, the trip was made possible through self-conducted fundraising and support from family members.

"It is a very good exposure for my students and I, and winning the 20 medals has boosted the morale of the 13 students who participated in Port Moresby," Ms Bungewa said.

Ms. Barbara Bungewa (right) using sign language to communicate with Kerian Jewa (left) and Scotty Isako (middle) upon their arrival in the province after participating in the NCDC athletes championship event *(Image: NBC News)*

Bungewa called on the Provincial Education Division to back sports initiatives in schools, saying that sports provide vital career pathways for students outside purely academic pursuits.

"Not all students are academically bright; some have talents in sports that can be identified and elevated to represent the province and the country going forward," she said.

Welcoming the team back, MMS Principal Malchus Tatai explained that sports is a key component of the school's newly introduced School-Based Counselling and Guidance Program, which aims to nurture student talent across Northern Province.

Provincial Education Advisor Maino Vegoli commended the athletes and committed the division to supporting future sports pathways in schools across the province, with athletics leading the way. He urged MMS teachers to maintain the momentum of the program in the coming years.

The NCD Athletics Championships served as a key lead-up event ahead of the PNG Games scheduled for November 2026.