Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has praised the Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation and its President, former world champion Stanley Nandex, for using sport to transform the lives of young Papua New Guineans through discipline, respect and positive leadership.
Speaking after attending a major national kickboxing tournament at the Taurama Aquatic Centre precinct in Port Moresby, Prime Minister Marape said the event demonstrated the important role sporting organisations play in steering young people away from crime, drugs and other social problems.
The tournament brought together male and female kickboxers from across Papua New Guinea, showcasing the growing popularity of the sport and the commitment of hundreds of young athletes.
“I am greatly encouraged by what I have witnessed today,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Watching these young men and women compete with determination and courage, and then embrace one another with respect after each contest, reminds us that sport is about much more than winning. It teaches discipline, respect, self-control and responsibility.
“These are the very qualities we want to see in our young people as we build a stronger Papua New Guinea.”
Prime Minister Marape commended Stanley Nandex for his remarkable personal journey, describing him as an inspiring example of how sport can change lives.
“Stanley Nandex is living proof that your background does not determine your future,” the Prime Minister said.
“He has openly shared that he left school after Grade 6, yet through hard work, discipline and dedication to kickboxing, he rose to become a world champion.
“More importantly, after achieving success, he has chosen to give back by mentoring and organising young people throughout our country.
“That is true leadership. His life demonstrates that success is not simply about personal achievement, but about lifting others.”
Prime Minister Marape said the Government wanted to work closely with sporting organisations that were actively engaging young people.” Our Government stands ready to partner with sporting organisations that are genuinely investing in our youth,” he said.
“We see sport as an important platform for developing disciplined, responsible and productive citizens.”
The Prime Minister said the Government intended to integrate youth participating in organised sport into broader national development programmes.
“We want to connect these young people to opportunities beyond the sporting arena,” he said.
“Participants in organised sports can be linked into our Second Chance Education Programme so they can continue their education.
“They can also access Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) programmes to start businesses or become eligible for Labour Mobility opportunities in Australia and New Zealand.
“When young people participate in organised sport, they learn discipline, teamwork, respect for authority and the importance of following rules. These qualities prepare them for success in education, employment and business.”
Prime Minister Marape said every province and district should encourage and support sporting organisations that were making a positive contribution to youth development.
He called on the Ministry of Sports, provincial governments, district administrations and sporting associations to strengthen partnerships that create more opportunities for young Papua New Guineans.
The Prime Minister also announced that the Government would continue exploring sustainable funding mechanisms to expand grassroots sporting programmes nationwide.
“We will utilise support through the National Gaming Control Board and encourage resource project community development funding, including appropriate allocations from community benefit funds, to help support organised youth sporting programmes across Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“Our objective is simple: keep our young people engaged in positive activities, keep them away from drugs, alcohol, crime and other destructive influences, and help them build successful futures.
“Sport is not just recreation. It is nation-building. Every young person we guide towards discipline and purpose today becomes a stronger citizen tomorrow.”
Prime Minister Marape congratulated Stanley Nandex, the Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation, coaches, officials, volunteers and athletes for their commitment to developing the country’s next generation of disciplined and successful young leaders.
“We will continue supporting those who are investing in our greatest asset—our young people,” Prime Minister Marape said.