Secretary for National Department of Health Dr Osborne Liko has applauded the East New Britain Province for setting a standard for markets in the country. He said most markets in PNG are operating without functional organizational structures, and management, necessary resources and infrastructure and facilities. “Market place must first have an organization which allows basic controls to be implemented, particularly as they relate to safety requirements for specific foods being offered for sale and handling practices associated with them.” “Municipal health authorities, therefore, have an important position in that structure.’’ Dr. Liko said, without this, marketplace poses health risks and provide an unpleasant and unfriendly atmosphere which trigger in antisocial behavior such as harassment and intimidation thus affecting overall productivity of that place. “People are protected from health risk and engage in healthy market activities only if market is safe, hygienic and properly regulated.” ”There is an urgent need for improvement in all markets in the country to enable notable differences for healthy market activities.’’ Dr Liko thanked the East New Britain leadership in politics and administration for coming up with an authority to manage the markets which is another model from the healthy marketplace that ENB is trailblazing for the rest of the markets in PNG. “If we follow the East New Britain Market Authority, markets will become good places for people to use.’’ Dr Liko also applauded the market managers from other provinces that attended the event and also for attending the training for market managers, held few days ahead of the declaration of the Kokopo Market as a model market in PNG. Healthy Marketplace is one of the components of the Healthy Island concept embraced by PNG and all other Pacific Island country Ministers for Health on Yanuca Island, Fiji, in 1995. He assured that the Department of Health recognizes the important role Healthy Island has played and can contribute to current health indicators and has included it as a significant policy direction in the National Health Plan 2020- 2030. “The Key Result Area 1 & 2 of the National Health Plan has positioned Healthy Island Concept as the key strategy to drive the health promotion, prevention and protection programs across the country.’

Australia has ruled the Pacific Games 'blue ribbon' events after claiming gold meals in the men's and women's 100 metre finals at 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara on Tuesday evening. Georgia Harris crossed the finish line in 11.7 seconds at the National Stadium, to claim gold in the women's final ahead of Papua New Guinea's Asila Apkup and Guam's Regine Tugade-Watson. Her countryman Calab Law clocked 10.4s in the men's final and finished ahead of fellow Australian Lachlan Kennedy. Law took control from the start to beat his mate Kennedy, who had to settle for silver with a time of 10.49s. Finishing behind him for bronze was Johnny Key of Samoa in 10.72s. "It means a lot to come here and be able to run well," Law told the Pacific Games News Service. Samoa's Key told the Service he was happy to have won bronze and looks forward to more Games competition in the future. "This is just the beginning of me competing in the Pacific Games," he said. "I will work hard and want to be the fastest man in the Pacific in four years' time." Australia is also expected to dominate the 200m event, which will start with preliminary races on Wednesday. The duo have created history by winning gold, more so in claiming the blue ribbon previously dominated by Fiji in the men's and PNG in the women's events. [caption id="attachment_47688" align="aligncenter" width="1074"] Pacific Games men's 100m final – Australia’s rising superstar Calab Law (third from left) [10.4secs] gets the better of his fellow countryman Lachlan Kennedy (fourth from left) [10.49secs] for the gold medal in Solomon Islands. Honiara 28 November 2023 Photo: RNZ Pacific/Junior Maealasia[/caption]Fiji had previously dominated the men's 100m and 200m since the 1995 Games. The women's competition had been dominated by PNG's Toea Wisil, who also won gold medals at the 2015 and 2019 Games. On Tuesday, it was Australia who dominated both finals. Twenty year old Harris had dominated the heats and semi-finals before claiming the final. The athletes are expected to be in action again when the 200m preliminaries are held on Wednesday. Fiji's Bulai wins hammer throw Fiji's Deborah Bulai won gold in the women's 4- kilogram hammer throw. She threw the hammer 58.33 metres, more than four metres further than her closest rival - New Zealand's Elizabeth Hewitt. Hewitt recorded a throw of 53.79m while bronze medallist, Wallis and Futuna's Aneymone Talalua, threw 53.68m. "This is the furthest I've ever thrown, so I'm really, really happy about it," Bulai told the Pacific Games News Service. "It honestly means a lot. "I wasn't just competing for myself - I was competing for my family; I was competing for my country; I was competing for my coach and also my friends. "So, it was just a completely different feeling to what I'm used to." The 24-year-old revealed she began her career with discus but switched to hammer throw while studying in the USA. "If you're in the (US) collegiate system, which I ended up getting a scholarship for, to go to college and compete, you have to throw hammer," she said. "So I just picked it up and surprisingly I just got good at it. And so that's why I switched." PNG's Ifa wins decathlon gold Papua New Guinea's Karo Iga is the Pacific Games men's decathlon champion. The PNG athlete came first in six out of the 10 track and field events held over two days from Monday. The silver medal went to French Polynesia's Timona Poareu, who tied with Karo in the pole vault and beat him in the shot put, 110m hurdles and discus throw. New Zealand's Stephen Thorpe won bronze with his best event being the 1500m race. Australia's Scerri claims heptathlon Australia's Mia Scerri claimed the women's heptathlon title. Scerri placed first in four out of the seven track and field events held over two days in Honiara. Papua New Guinea's Edna Boafob earned silver, beating Scerri in the 200m sprint and the javelin throw. In bronze position was French Polynesia's Timeri Lamorelle, who won the 800m race. [caption id="attachment_47689" align="aligncenter" width="1082"] Pacific Games football semi-finals: Solomon Islands captain Micah Lea’alafa (right) attempts a shot at goal under the close supervision of Fiji’s Gabiriele Matanisiga. A Lea’alafa goal sealed Solomon Islands 2-0 victory over Fiji setting up a grand final with New Caledonia. Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara 28 November 2023 Photo: RNZ Pacific/Koroi Hawkins[/caption] Hosts beat Fiji to get to men's football final Solomon Islands' men's football team has qualified for the Pacific Games final for the first time in 12 years. The hosts beat Fiji 2-0 in their semi-final match on Tuesday afternoon at the Lawson Tama Stadium, in front of a sea of adoring fans. Raphael Lea'ai scored from the penalty spot to give the hosts a 1-0 lead before local star Micah Lealafa scored the winner from in front of the net, flicking the ball past the goalkeeper. Lea'alafa said they will need to dig deep if they want to create history at the National Stadium in Honiara on Saturday. "Well it's going to be a tough one and we have to come out strong if we want to win the world," he told RNZ Pacific. "We have to push; we have to give everything in the final game. "So it's going to be a hard game for us. "I believe the boys will come out strong and give everything for this country." Solomon Islands have been to three Pacific Games football finals but have never won. Their final opponents New Caledonia, who beat Vanuatu 1-0 in the first semi-final match, are an old nemesis. The Cagous beat the Bonitos the last time they reached the finals, in 2011 in Noumea. Meanwhile, Fiji coach Rob Sherman said he is pleased with the way his team performed in the semi-final despite losing 2-0 to the Solomons. Fiji controlled the tempo for much of the game, forcing Solomon Islands to play mostly on the counterattack, but the Fijians were unable to convert in front of goal. In the end ill-discipline saw them reduced to 10 men with Filipe Bara ilala sent off after a second yellow card. Sherman said all things considered, he is proud of the boys. "I thought we dominated them to be honest," he said. "We controlled the tempo of the game with and without the ball. "They were dangerous on the break and that was evident with the goal at the end, and the penalty perhaps to a degree. "But I would say, by and large, I was very pleased with our tactical footprint and the boys have improved in that end and there is definitely room to manoeuvre." Fiji will face Vanuatu in the play off for bronze at 3pm local time on Friday, at the Lawson Tama Stadium. The grand final between Solomon Islands and New Caledonia will be at the National Stadium on Saturday at 10am, Solomons time. [caption id="attachment_47690" align="aligncenter" width="1088"] Pacific Games football semi-finals: Penalty! - Solomon Islands talismanic striker Raphael Leai sends Fiji’s goalkeeper and captain Akuila Mataisuva the wrong way from the spot to open the scoring for the hosts who went on to win 2-0 setting up a grand final with their arch nemesis New Caledonia on Saturday. Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara 28 November 2023. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins[/caption] All-Melanesian final in women's football It will be an all Melanesian final for the women's football competition. The defending champions Papua New Guinea thrashed Samoa 5-1 on Mondayin the semifinal. Fiji beat New Caledonia 3-0 in the other semifinal to continue their winning form, having earlier eliminated the hosts Solomon Islands from the tournament in front of their home fans. The final will be played at the National Stadium in Honiara on Friday. Pearls and Tala unbeaten in netball Tonga continued their winning run from Monday as they recorded their third straight netball win. The Tala, silver medallists at the 2019 Games in Apia, thrashed Vanuatu 106-11. They lead Pool A at the moment, as defending netball champions Cook Islands recorded mixed results on the courts on Tuesday. Cook Islands claimed a big 72-18 victory over Niue, but then lost to Papua New Guinea 67-37. The win gives PNG some breathing space after they had lost to Tonga on Monday. Fiji leads Pool B with a strong win against Samoa, 62-40, adding to their Monday win over the Solomon islands. Norfolk Island secured its first victory of the Games, defeating Solomon Islands 40-34. Norfolk captain Emily Ryves told the Games News Service they were happy to have come out victors and avenge their loss to the hosts four years ago. "This is our second game here and we are so lucky to get the win," she said. "It was a hardcore battle against a very good Solomon Islands side. "Four years ago in Samoa, Solomon Islands defeated us so it is indeed good to get the win today." Netball continues on Wednesday at the Friendship Hall. [caption id="attachment_47691" align="aligncenter" width="1073"] Pacific Games football semi-finals: A difficult bunch – Play-by-play, with equal gusto, Solomon Islands football fans would cheer or boo their own team depending on whether or not they approved of the pass, shot or defensive maneuver being performed! 28 November 2023 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins[/caption] Touch competition heats up In touch rugby, defending champions Papua New Guinea recorded mixed results. PNG are defending both the men's and women's titles. The PNG men drew 2-2 with Samoa but beat Niue 5-1. In the women's division, PNG drew 4-4 with Fiji before edging past Samoa 3-2 in their second game. The Solomon Islands men lost 12-5 to Fiji and then got pipped by Norfolk Island 7-6. The Fiji men's team recorded their second win on Tuesday by beating Niue 8-5. Cook Islands proved to be a tough contender in the men's event as they beat Kiribati 9-2 and drew with Norfolk Island 4-4 in the play-offs. Touch rugby continues on Wednesday with qualifying and medal matches, before the mixed tournament begins on Thursday. Beach volleyball top seeds in good wins The top seeds at the Games' beach volleyball competition showed why they are at the top in the region with winning starts. Vanuatu's women defeated Tuvalu 2-0, while in the men's, Australia defeated New Caledonia 2-0. Vanuatu's Sherysyn Toko, playing alongside Majabelle Lawac, told the Pacific Games News Service the win was a good start. "We are so happy," she said. "This is our first match and to get off with a win is just amazing. "We have only played together the last two years and so far things are coming into place. "We look forward to the [rest of] competition and we will do our best to defend our titles." The day's other results saw straight set victories (2-0) for the Solomon Islands' men's team over Marshall Islands, Tahiti over Samoa, Fiji over Papua New Guinea, and Palau over Tuvalu. Pool matches continue on Wednesday. Source: rnz.com

Forward Fletcher Baker has arrived at the Broncos hoping to rise to the occasion and fill the boots left by the departure of Thomas Flegler - but first of all, he has to tackle the Brisbane humidity. “I came up a little bit early just to get a bit of volume in the legs and I'm glad I did, because today, it was a punch in the face; a bit of heat and I was struggling, but I got through it,” Baker told media after a morning training session at Red Hill. “I'm trying to get used to it; I'm trying to make a good impression, so I'm being loud and giving 110%, but I think I just need to work up to it. “I actually keep complaining about the heat and they say wait to January and February.” Signed from the Roosters in June on a two-year contract, Baker played 15 games in 2023, including the narrow loss to Melbourne in week two of the finals, and said he was hoping to be part a revamped Broncos forward pack in a squad who were ‘hungrier’ for success after falling just short in the decider. “To play alongside the crew that they have got; the forwards, it's incredible; but I haven't really taken too much interest in that [claiming a starting front row spot], I want to get my best pre-season in and sort of make an impression, I want to be in that team and wherever I fit, I fit," Baker said. “(But there is a great opportunity), they had Keenan (Palasia) who left and he was a benchie, then Flegler up top and they're good players and I think the team that they were last year and then this year as well, I think their football complements me as well. "I like to play support, ball play and get quick play-the-balls and then if you can do that off Payne Haas and Patty Carrigan and then all the pretty boys at the back, that's great footy.” Despite the departures of two rep forwards, there will be plenty of competition for Fletcher to contend with. Among the is options moving Carrigan from lock to partner Haas in the front row, a position he has played before at both club and representative level and a rising crop of young players who have signed on long-term. The Broncos also have experienced forwards including Martin Taupau and Corey Jensen who will be looking to get back into the 17. “Obviously, they've lost some good players, but if you look inside these walls, there's some young players going through and they're really developing and hopefully I can play that part as well," Fletcher said. "They've lost some good players, but they've also got a lot of potential going through. “It's a tight crew and they got some older heads like Marty, (Kurt) Capewell, Corey and Adam (Reynolds) running the ship; it's really well balanced.” With the majority of the squad also having experienced the 2023 trophy being prised from their grasp by a historic Panthers fightback, Fletcher said from what he had seen so far, the memory would help the players strive to go one better in 2024. “I remember watching the game and I thought Broncs had it and then obviously, the Panthers just played that great football," Baker said. “But realistically, it makes boys hungrier too; there's so many standards here. "We are just at the start of the pre-season and when the older boys come up, you have got to pick up the slack too. “So, they're definitely hungry and that's the exciting part for me too.” Source: NRL.com

With the aim to raise the standard of rugby league in the country, 17 Papua New Guinea (PNG) trainers from the PNG Rugby League Competition and the PNG Hunters are currently undergoing the necessary requirements for Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) Level 1 Accreditation, all thanks to the Papua New Guinea Rugby League (PNGRFL) in partnership with the Pacific Aus Sports Program. ASCA conducted its Level 1 course in Port Moresby, from Thursday 23rd of November to Sunday 26th of November 2023. The comprehensive 4-day course covered all aspects of being a Strength & Conditioning (S&C) Coach and was facilitated by Queensland Rugby League (QRL) Physical Performance Director, Mr. John Mitchell. Mitchell is the lead S&C coach for the QLD women’s State of Origin team, is a Board Member of the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) and is the second ever fully accredited Master S&C coach worldwide, a journey that took him 8 years. PNGRFL General Manager - High Performance, Marc Portus said, "He brings immense value to the performance staff of our NRLC clubs in preparation for the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil cup. These boys now have the fundamental knowledge, skills and confidence to go back to their clubs and give our local PNG athletes their best ever pre- season programs. This is about professionalizing the NRLC competition in line with PNGRFL strategic plans.” PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Stanley Hondina said, “We have greater plans for the game in our country but for those plans to be realized we need manpower. And what we’re doing now is all aligning to building capacity and upskilling our people with mandatory skill sets internationally required.” “The PNGRFL is committed to continue developing our people and are seeing pathways for coaching staff and also for athletes after their playing careers, with the education and the relevant accreditation. The program saw the graduation and opportunity provided to Trainers from this cohort to be a part of Elite Teams, in the recent Prime Minister’s XIII and Pacific Championship fixtures. Frank Rarua (Port Moresby Vipers), George Tobata (ENB Gurias), Lawrence Tu’u (Gulf Isou), Noel Joel (Lae Tigers) and Simon Gibisini (Port Moresby Vipers), were all recognized and brought into the Junior Orchids, Junior Kumuls and Orchids coaching staff during the mentioned campaigns this year.” Hondina further highlighted. The PNGRFL’s partnership with the Australian Government’s Pacific Aus Sports Program, has seen an increase in education and mentoring in the PNGRFL’s High Performance tiers and are stepping stones in achieving the designed outcomes of the 2022-2027 Plan. The 2023 Sports Trainer Program cohort will continue their ASCA Level 1 accreditation process after this practical and face-to-face assessment, with their coursework and hours for the 2024 season and preseason.

Air Niugini Fokker jet services have resumed today, Monday 27th November to the Kagamuga Airport at the city of Mt. Hagen to cater for the influx of passengers during this festive period. Jet operations to Mount Hagen were suspended in late September to allow the National Airports Corporation (NAC) to carry out urgent maintenance works on the airport runway. During the period of the runway repairs, all Air Niugini flights to Mt. Hagen were downgraded to Dash 8 operations. Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Gary Seddon said, “Mount Hagen is the major airport serving the Highlands region and is of vital importance to the economy and community.” “We are pleased that the runway maintenance has been completed and we are now able to resume operations with larger jet aircraft in time for the busy Christmas peak period”. Air Niugini operates up to five daily flights to Mount Hagen.

Topline backrower Jordan Riki has become the latest Brisbane Bronco to commit long-term to the club, signing a three-year contract extension to the end of the 2027 season. The 23-year-old took his game to the next level in 2023 and was a major contributor to Brisbane’s outstanding run to the Grand Final, making 22 appearances and stamping himself as one of NRL’s best emerging forwards. Riki, whose ferocious kick-chase and surging shortside ball carries were consistent highlights of his game in 2023, has now made 67 NRL appearances having established himself as a first grade regular over the past two seasons. A graduate of the Broncos Academy, Riki joins a host of teammates to commit to the club's future until at least the end of 2025 including Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, Selwyn Cobbo, Kobe Hetherington, Jesse Arthars, Corey Jensen, Deine Mariner, Xavier Willison, Tristan Sailor and Blake Mozer. Broncos Coach Kev Walters said Riki’s retention was great news for the Club and another key player locked into the team’s roster. “Jordan bought into what we are building here at the Broncos from the very start,” said Walters. He was one of the first players to commit to stay even when things weren’t going so well, and now he has again chosen to stay at the club he loves which is fantastic news for us here at the club. Kevin Walters Head Coach “Jordan continues to work hard on his game, he does the little things really well and he wants to play his role for the team – and that’s exactly the kind of player we want in the Broncos jersey.” Source: Broncos.com.au

Veteran flyer Corey Oates will line up for a 12th season in Broncos colours after signing a one-year contract extension with the 2023 grand finalists. Oates debuted with Brisbane in Round 17 of the 2013 season against the Storm and has gone to play 201 NRL games including the 2015 grand final. The 29-year-old has racked up 118 tries to sit fourth on the list of the Broncos' top try-scorers behind Steve Renouf, Darren Lockyer and Michael Hancock. "I'll be trying to prove to myself that I've still got it and to show the coaches that I've still got it as well," Oates said. "I've never felt so good in my career, the injuries last year were just pure bad luck and bad timing. I'm still very confident that I can come back this year and attack it and play some good footy." Wests Tigers winger Charlie Staines has signed a new two-year deal through to the end of the 2025 season. Staines joined the Tigers in 2023 after 39 games and a premiership with the Panthers but his season was hampered by injury. The Cowboys have extended local junior Tom Chester for a further season, with his new deal ensuring he remains at the club until at least the end of 2025. The 22-year-old made his debut with North Queensland in 2022 and appeared in seven NRL games last season, three of which came as a starting fullback. Matt Moylan will make an immediate switch to Super League in 2024 after being granted a release from the final year of his contract with Cronulla to join Leigh. A Test and Origin representative, Moylan played 102 games for the Sharks and 89 games for the Panthers after debuting in 2013. He will join the Leopards on a two-year contract which will see him remain with the club until the end of 2025. Sydney Roosters international Siua Wong has signed a two-year extension to remain with the club until at least the end of the 2026 season. Source: NRL.Com

Thanks to the continued support from the National Government, the Papua New Guinea (PNG) St John Ambulance (SJA) Service continues to provide exemplary care in the region, as evident by the recent study results. The findings of the Council of Ambulance Authorities survey illustrate an exceptional level of satisfaction among service users in PNG, solidifying the ambulance service’s commitment to exceptional care. The overall satisfaction ratings across PNG increased from 97% in 2022 to 98% in 2023. This boost underscores the unwavering dedication to providing topnotch care and service to the community. PNG had a higher patient satisfaction result than Australian services overall and was equal with the New Zealand St John Ambulance emergency service. In terms of call responsiveness, a substantial majority of patients felt that the connection to call takers was faster than expected, with 65% reporting a prompt connection in PNG. And the respondents acknowledged the call takers' helpfulness and reassurance during their interactions, highlighting the professionalism and empathy of the staff. The care provided by ambulance workers received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with nearly all respondents in PNG expressing a significantly positive experience. Additionally, a notable level of trust and confidence was reported in the ambulance staff, reflecting the high standard of service and professionalism. The level of comfort experienced by patients during their ambulance journey and the clarity of communication from the ambulance service staff further underscore the St John Ambulance dedication to delivering exceptional patient care. Highlights of comments received during the survey: 1. “(St John) responding time was very good. As soon as we were told an ambulance was coming, the ambulance arrived very quickly. Also, the phone operator who was assisting us was very polite and that gave us hope that our patient will be ok.” 2. “We called 111 and they helped us over the phone and said to wait for ambulance, the ambulance arrived and the ambulance officer, a male and a female were fast in checking me, got me to ANGAU…” 3. “The best experience I can say is the response was quick and as soon as the medics arrived, they did their assessment and later we were transported to PMGH. I was happy because I wanted to pay the ambulance but they said the service is free and they are just helping. That really made me happy… I can’t say much but thank you very much for the great service.” Although permission was sought from the respondents to share these comments, the identities of the respondents have been withheld for privacy. In response to the survey results Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mangu Kendino said, “I am pleased to see the positive results that demonstrate our commitment to delivering exceptional emergency services overall.” “Of course, there is still more work to be done. St John must continue working hand-in-hand with the Department of Health and provincial governments to bring such essential services to more parts of the country. Together, we can make a significant impact on healthcare accessibility for all communities in Papua New Guinea." Chair of the National St John Council Dame Jean L Kekedo said, “These results beautifully reflect the passion and dedication that our St John men and women bring to providing exceptional care to the people of Papua New Guinea.”

Following the overnight eruption of Mount Ulawun, West New Britain (WNB), Air Niugini has suspended all flights to Hoskins Airport due to volcanic ash fall on the runway and taxiways, and in the vicinity of the airport. A Stop Press notice was issued by Niusky Pacific earlier today, closing the airport to all operations until further notice. Air Niugini is monitoring the situation carefully, and will issue further updates as the situation develops and more information becomes available. Air Nuigini regrets the inconvenience caused, however the situation is beyond the airline’s control. Passengers holding tickets for flights to or from Hoskins may rebook their travel for later dates, with penalties waived. Volcanic ash presents a significant risk to aircraft, and safety is always of paramount importance in our operations

Plans are under to rollout a program that will make custom-made prosthetic limbs that provides more flexibility for amputees who have lost the use of their lower or upper limbs. The “Jaipur Foot Camp Program”, will be implemented by the National Department of Health’s National Orthotic Prosthetic Services (NOPS) and Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) Physiotherapy Department in partnership with a charity society in India called the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), which is expected to kick off by February next year. The Jaipur Foot Camp Program is one of the activities listed under the 12-Step Action Plan to Strengthen India-Pacific Island Countries Partnership that was announced by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi during the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit, earlier in May this year. To prepare for the Jaipur Foot Camp Program, the PMGH Physiotherapy Department will be screening client amputees at three (3) designated sites: ·   Stop N Shop at Waigani Central, Monday 20 – Tuesday 21, November, 2023 between 9:00 am to 3:00 pm; ·  Gerehu General Hospital, Wednesday, 22 – Thursday 23, November, 2023 between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm; and ·  Port Moresby General Hospital on Friday, 24 November, 2023 between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Client amputees who wish to register can visit the National Orthotic Prosthetic Services (NOPS) clinic and Physiotherapy Clinic at Port Moresby General Hospital and all clients must be physically present for screening to take place. It is advisable that clients affected by polio, mild stroke and cerebral palsy and those with leg length discrepancy (LLD) or shortening of the leg who are coming in for screening, must bring a clinic card with a medical record number and a pair of shorts. Clients who are based outside of Port Moresby can visit their local provincial hospital for screening and based on the information collected, technical resources will be shipped to the provincial hospitals that have prosthetic and orthotics services, so clients can have access to these resources. The NOPS will work with provincial hospitals that do not have prosthetic and orthotic services to deliver the program through their community-based rehabilitation outreach program in 2024. Clients who would like to register can contact the National Orthotic Prosthetic Services on phone number 324 8237 or the Port Moresby General Hospital Physiotherapy Department on 324 3248 (ext. 240) or email nopsdoh@gmail.com.

The 2019 Pacific Games champion New Caledonia leads the 2023 Pacific Games medal tally at the end of the fourth day of competition in Honiara on Monday night. They took over from hosts the Solomon Islands late on Monday following their dominance in the pool, during the swimming competition. New Caledonia have claimed eight gold medals so far plus seven silver and eight bronze, for a total tally of 23 medals. The hosts are second on five gold, eight silver and four bronze. But the day belonged to two of the Pacific's best lifters, who won three gold medals each for their countries in weightlifting. The first medals at the Pacific Games in Honiara had gone to the host nation, with their flagbearer and experienced lifter Jenly Tegu Wini claiming three gold. She claimed the three gold in the women's 55 kilograms snatch category, lifting a total of 82 kilograms. Dika Toua followed suit for Papua New Guinea in the 49kg category, cleaning out the event with her own haul of three gold medals. Both also had their own teammates who claimed the silver medals. Solomon Islander Lora Maelosia claimed three silver medals behind her mate Wini. Toua's sister Thelma claimed the silver medalsand a bronze in the 49kg category as well. The Toua sisters' medal hauls were completed by Konio who claimed two silver and a bronze in the 45kg class. More medals are expected on Tuesday as the weightlifting and swimming competitions continues. [caption id="attachment_47482" align="aligncenter" width="1087"] A family affair - Papua New Guinea's Dika Toua (second from right) celebrates with her sisters after qualifying for her sixth Olympic Games. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Junior Maealasia [/caption] Some competition results Meanwhile, some exciting matches were witnessed in the different competition held on Monday. In lawn tennis, the Fiji men's team had fought their way into a semifinal clash with Guam, after they had defeated Samoa 2-1 on top of their 3-0 victory over the Solomon Islands at the weekend. In the women's competition PNG sailed through to the semifinal in the team event after beating Tonga 2-1. The team of Pauline Hyun and Abigail Tere-Apisah were scheduled to meet the Solomon Islands on Monday night. In Volleyball, the Fiji women defeated Samoa 3-1 while Tahiti beat PNG 3-0. The Fijian men's team defeated Tuvalu 3-1 last night. Basketball saw some close battles in the women's competition as Samoa pipped Fiji 75-74 in a tough game. Cook Islands 59 defeated PNG 37 in another good game. In the men's New Caledonia proved a handful for their fellow French Territory team Tahiti, winning 53-50. In football games played Vanuatu beat Tuvalu 6-0 in the men's division while int he women's PNG outscored Vanuatu 3-0. In the women's rugby league competition some of the results saw Cook Islands 36 defeating Solomon Islands 0, Tonga 16 Vanuatu 0, Fiji 22 Samoa 10 in the first round of matches. Tonga defeated Fiji 10-8 in the second round to claim their second win of the day. In the men's competition Cook Islands 16 beat the Solomons 8 while Fiji dumped Tonga 20-0. But the Fijians then lost to Samoa 18-12 in the second round last night. Table Tennis saw the Fiji women's team beat Solomons 5-0. Tuesday will see more sports action, with sailing also continuing, along with table tennis, football, rugby league 9s and volleyball. Medal tally Source: RNZ.com

A panel comprising some of the most accomplished players in international rugby league will select the men’s and women’s 2023 IRL Golden Boot winners after nominations were finalised following the recent Pacific Championships and historic England-Tonga series. Golden Cap recipients Darren Lockyer (Australia), Adrian Morley (England), Ruben Wiki (New Zealand), James Graham (England) and Adam Blair (New Zealand), who are among just nine players to have played 50 internationals for their country, will choose the men’s IRL Golden Boot winner. The women’s IRL Golden Boot winner will be decided by Australian Jillaroos great Karyn Murphy, former New Zealand dual code superstar Honey Hireme-Smiler and England 2017 World Cup prop turned rugby league commentator Danika Priim. The judges of the 2023 Wheelchair IRL Golden Boot include Malcolm Kielty (England) and Robert Fassolette (France), the two key figures in establishing the sport, along with another driving force in the game's development in Martin Coyd, and long serving administrator Niel Wood, who has been a member of the IRL's Wheelchair Rugby League advisory committee. IRL Chair Troy Grant said: “The IRL Golden Boot is one of the oldest and most highly regarded awards in rugby league, so it is fitting that some of the giants of the international game decide the winners. “Having former players of such standing choose the men’s and women’s international player of the year adds to the prestige of the IRL Golden Boot and we thank them for their support of the award. "There could also be no-one better qualified to determine the winner of the Wheelchair Golden Boot than those who pioneered the sport and the IRL is grateful for their involvement." New Zealand players dominate the long lists of men’s and women’s candidates, chosen by members of the media in Australia, England, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, after the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns triumphed against Australia in the Pacific Championships. Kiwis stars Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris, Joey Tapine and Ronaldo Mulitalo headline the contenders for the men’s Golden Boot, while 2022 winner Raecene McGregor and Kiwis Ferns team-mates Apii Nicholls, Mele Hufanga and Georgia Hale are candidates for the women’s award. England’s Harry Smith, Mikey Lewis, John Bateman and Matty Ashton have also been nominated after the recent 3-0 series defeat of Tonga, alongside the Kangaroos quartet of Cameron Murray, Harry Grant, Payne Haas and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. Other players on the long list include Papua New Guinea pair Lachlan Lam and Edwin Ipape, Fiji prop Tui Kamikamica and fullback Jahream Bula, Samoa fullback Su’a Faalogo, Cook Islands playmaker Esan Marsters and Tonga prop Addin Fonua-Blake. The women’s Golden Boot is just as keenly contested, with Jillaroos stars Tamika Upton and Jess Sergis also vying with England prop Amy Hardcastle and five-eighth Georgia Roche. Others in contention include France’s Elisa Akpa and Lauréane Biville, Samoa prop Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala, Tonga centre Tiana Penitani, Papua New Guinea centre Belinda Gwasamun and Cook Islands front-rower Toru Arakua. The IRL Golden Boot is awarded to the best player in sanctioned rugby league international matches each year. The 2022 IRL Golden Boot winners were New Zealand’s Joey Manu and Raecene McGregor, and England Wheelchair star Sebastien Bechara. Short lists for the men’s, women’s and wheelchair 2023 IRL Golden Boot awards will be announced after the second wheelchair international between last year’s World Cup winners England and runners-up France in Carcassonne on November 25. France triumphed 43-34 in Leeds on November 5 in the first encounter between the two nations since the epic World Cup final. The winners of the 2023 IRL Golden Boot awards will be announced in early December. IRL Chair Troy Grant said: “There has been more international rugby league played in recent months than any other period in recent memory outside of a World Cup year and players have again demonstrated their passion for representing their countries of birth or heritage. “It is a sign of how competitive the game is at international level that the three World Cup champions – the Kangaroos, Jillaroos and England Wheelchair – were all recently beaten in gripping contests that showcased rugby league at its best.” Source: NRL.Com