Cricket & AFL in PNG reaching for greater heights

A couple of weeks ago I attended the opening of the new turf at the Amini Park by the Australian cricket legend, Doug Walters. The event was the highlight of a three-day cricket match between a visiting Australian Indigenous Team and the PNG Barramundi Team.

I was at the clubhouse from 11.30pm to about 5.30pm and thoroughly enjoyed the 20/20 game between the young indigenous Australians who are coached by former Australian International, Craig McDermot; and the Barramundi Team. As a die-hard cricket fan I am certainly looking forward to seeing more matches at Amini Park.

AFL PNG Night - A Success

• Picture by Noel Pascoe

I was fortunate enough to attend the AFL PNG night of the year early this month. The function was held at the Grand Palace, RH Mart in Port Moresby with the aim of raising funds for the various objectives AFL PNG has to meet; including the AFL Academy located at the De La Salle College outside Port Moresby.Pictured are some of the Academy members enjoying the night.

The place was packed to the brim....30 tables of 10 were sold at K3000 each -  so in total 300 people attended. The program of the night included a half hour of laughs by an Australian comedian plus a talk by former Kangaroo player, Wayne Carey - known more for his notoriety.

I am reliably informed that there was a total of K150,000 raised from the dinner and an auction, minus K70,000 for costs which left a net profit of about K80,000.

Well Done organisers for a terrific night!!

AFL Academy PNG kicks off

The AFL Academy PNG began this month as the first dedicated international Aussie Rules Football League Academy to cater for the game's growth in the Pacific region.

Talent from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Nauru and the Solomon Islands are set to converge at De La Salle Catholic Boys High School just outside Port Moresby every year. This year 17 inaugural attendees of the Academy were on hand to witness the signing of the agreement between the Principal of the De La Salle school, Mr James Ume and the AFL Asia Pacific Manager, Mr Andrew Cadzow.

Papua New Guinea has already proven to be a fruitful training ground for some Australian AFL Clubs. AFLPNG's Coca Cola Talent Path has delivered 6 new signings under the international recruitment drive.

Richmond, Essendon and Brisbane Lions were impressed while attending the Coca Cola Talent Camp in 2009 that they have recruited: -

1) Gideon Simon (Western Highlands) - Richmond Tigers

2) Nathan Malabag (Morobe) - Richmond Tigers

3) Ezra Kaut (West New Britain) - Brisbane Lions

4) Brendan Beno ( Autonomous Region of Bougainville) - Brisbane Lions

5) Victor Rame ( West New Britain) - Essendon Bombers

6) Max Lavai (National Capital District) - Essendon Bombers

www.afl-png.com

             Congratulations AFL PNG!!!!