PNGFA extends invitation to youths

THE Papua New Guinea Football Association is inviting youths between the ages of fifteen and twenty five to take part in the first-ever Pacific Youth and Sports Conference in Manukau, New Zealand next month.
The conference will be held from March 15-20. Event coordinator Rex Parua said there is a criteria that would be followed to choose the successful youths to attend the conference.

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in partnership with FIFA, Manukau City Council, the Secretariat of the Pacific community, the Australian Government, Football Federation of Australia, the Human Rights Commission and the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) is currently preparing for the conference.

The event was recently endorsed by the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC).
Parua said the aim of the event is to bring together more than 1,000 participants from youth and sporting groups from around the Pacific region to exchange ideas and discuss major youth issues on health, education, citizenship and social integration during a weeklong program.

Each country will further hold discussions to develop a concrete action plan that will use sports as a medium to address youth issues at the conclusion of the meeting.

The aim of the conference is to reinforce sustainable youth development in the Pacific through sports and boost joint work in the field of idea, logical and cultural diversity by exchange of ideas, experiences and projects on the conference's four central themes.    

Health, Education and training, Citizenship and good governance, Social integration and anti discrimination are among issues to be discussed.

Paru further said this is an excellent opportunity for young leaders to take an active role in their respective countries.

The meet is recognized by the national government, however it is not a government-funded event and the financial aspects of the event will be for those interested to fulfill.

Parua said for organizations and individuals who were interest to participate, it would cost K9, 000 per person and would go towards travel expenses, accommodation, transportation and meals.