Alotau district backs national touch footy championships with K50,000 support

The National Touch Football Championships set to take place in Milne Bay in December has been given a boost of K50,000 by the Alotau District Association.

The event to be hosted by the Alotau Touch Footy Association will start on December 10th and run through to the 14th.

The championships will see 13 provinces and one overseas based team in Queensland, Australia, converge on the Milne Bay capital for five days of high-level competition.

Touch Footy Association president Ian Mampue confirmed the tournament registration is now closed, with preparations actively underway.

“It’s a national championship, nationwide and international. Alotau is proud to be the host, and we’re looking forward to welcoming teams from across the country and abroad,” Mampue told NBC News.

The K50,000 delivered over the weekend represents the first installment of a K100,000 commitment from the Alotau District. The second half is expected to be released closer to the tournament.

District Administrator Wilson Hillary, who presented the cheque, said the district’s commitment to youth development through sport was one of the priorities.

“Touch footy is an inclusive sport, and anything that brings young people together in a positive environment is something we will continue to support,” Hillary said.

Mampue welcomed the funding, saying it would allow the host association to begin early preparations, including securing accommodation and conducting groundwork ahead of the tournament.

“This support is timely. It gives us a head start in ensuring we are ready to host a successful championship,” he added.