Madang governor’s cup kicks off at Malala

Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa has officially kicked off the Governor’s Cup in the Almami, Bogia yesterday, with a strong message to youths in the community to involve in sports and not unlawful activities.

The opening ceremony was held at the Malala Secondary School field.

Addressing players, officials, and supporters, Governor Pariwa said the occasion was a personal and meaningful return to Malala. He told the crowd that this was not his first visit to the area, revealing that he was once a Grade 11 and 12 student at Malala Secondary School.

He credited the school for playing a significant role in shaping his life and leadership journey.

“I want to say thank you to Malala. Malala has played an important role in my education career,” Pariwa said.

Pariwa said the Governor’s Cup, football tournament, is more than just a sporting competition but a long-term benefit for Madang Province.

He outlined four key objectives of the tournament, starting with the identification of talented players from each LLG to form a strong Madang team that can proudly represent the province at national games.

The governor said another purpose of the tournament was to help minimise crime in the province, particularly youth-related criminal activities.

“Madang is known for criminal activities, including murder, and most of these crimes are caused by youths,” he said.

He said the tournament aims to keep young people actively involved in sports, discourage the use of illegal weapons such as guns and knives, and replace them with sports balls and positive competition.

Promoting healthy lifestyles is also a key focus of the Governor’s Cup.

Governor Pariwa said regular participation in sports can help address lifestyle diseases affecting young people.

“Many young people have died from lifestyle diseases, and we end up blaming sorcery. We can protect ourselves and stay healthy if we play sports,” he said.

He said rolling out the Governor’s Cup across all LLGs in Madang Province will help scout raw and talented players who can be developed into a competitive Madang squad capable of performing at national and international levels.

He encouraged young athletes to think big, stay disciplined, and work hard, saying one day they could proudly carry the Madang flag at national games.

Almami Local Level Government President Kenneth Makis, who witnessed the official kick-off, thanked Governor Pariwa for bringing the tournament to the area and expressed his commitment to working closely with the provincial government to ensure a successful competition.

“The Governor’s Cup is not just a tournament; it carries strong ideas and motives from the Governor. We will work with him to make those goals a reality,” President Makis said.

Provincial Sports Coordinator Pancito Amepou said the Governor’s Cup has so far been rolled out across LLGs in all districts. He said the Bogia District competition has started at Almami LLG and will continue to Awar and Yabu LLGs to complete the Governor’s Cup in Bogia District.

The opening event was attended by Madang Provincial Education Director Aphonese Igag, who is also a former principal of Malala Catholic Secondary School, along with invited guests, local leaders, and a large crowd of supporters and sports teams who gathered to witness the official opening.

A total of 37 soccer teams and 15 volleyball teams have registered to take part in the Governor’s Cup at Almami LLG.