Butibam tops Ahi Festival

By MALUM NALU
Butibam has taken out the ultimate accolade in the Ahi Festival by winning most medals in the week-long event in Lae.

Butibam team leader Danny Maliaki (second from left) receives the champions trophy from Ahi Festival ambassador John Wilshere

Butibam and archrival Yanga were tied on four gold medals apiece after the grand finals last Thursday and Friday, but when it came to a count back, Butibam won the most medals overall.
Yanga, with a wealth of talent from champion Lae team NS Busu, beat a young Hengali side 40-35 in the men’s basketball grand final at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium last Friday.

Champion men's basketball team Yanga with festival ambassador John Wilshere (left) and Riback operations manager George Gware

In the play-off for broze, Butibam edged out Wagang 38-32.
In the volleyball grand finals, Butibam beat Hengali 3-1 sets in a thrilling encounter, while Yalu ended up third.

Men's volleyball champions Butibam

Butibam also took out the women’s volleyball gold medal with a 3-0 sets pounding of Hengali.

Women's volleyball champions Butibam

In touch football last Thursday evening, Butibam took out the men’s final with a 3-1 win over Kamkumung, while Hengali ousted Yanga for bronze 4-3.
In the women’s touch football grand final, Yanga beat Butibam 4-3 in extra time, while in the play-off for bronze, Wagang beat Yalu 4-3 in extra time.
The soccer finals were not played because of a dispute involving players and supporters from Yalu.
This marred what was otherwise a very enjoyable week of sports.
In netball, Butibam, with giant international Nettie Sao at the helm, rode roughshod over all and sundry.
The Ahi Festival involved teams from the six Ahi villages of Yalu, Kamkumung. Hengali, Butibam, Yanga and Wagang.