Gaming board gives K40,000 to Goroka Show

By MALUM NALU

The National Gaming Control Board is normally a giver in Papua New Guinea, however, today it became the receiver after giving K40,000 to help stage the 2011 Goroka Show next month.
Show committee chairman Gideon Samuel, who is the Air Niugini manager in Goroka, reciprocated with pottery products from Eastern Highlands Cultural Centre in Kainantu.

Goroka Show chairman Gideon Samuel (right) presents pottery products to National Gaming Control Board CEO Simon Sanangke in appreciation for K40,000 sponsorship of this year’s show

Samuel said it was a token of appreciation from his committee and all the people of Goroka and Eastern Highlands for the K40, 000.
Chief executive officer of NGCB, Simon Sanangke, said this would be the fourth year in succession for it to sponsor the Goroka Show.
“We need to promote our culture because we are one of the few remaining countries whose cultures are still alive,” he said.
“Goroka has always been a priority as we felt that they were doing the right thing in terms of developing and promoting our culture.
“This is an asset and has big, big potential in this country.
“I’m sure we can get more tourists if we do the right thing.”
Sanangke said NGCB had been supporting shows and expos all over the country, including K40, 000 each to Enga, Mt Hagen and Goroka shows this year.
Samuel said the K40, 000 was an increase of K20, 000 from last year’s sponsorship.

National Gaming Control Board CEO Simon Sanangke (left) presents K40,000 to Goroka Show chairman Gideon Samuel

“The Goroka Show is a national icon,” he said.
“This sponsorship will go a long way towards ensuring that out culture is passed on to the next generation.
“One of the highlights of this year’s show will be a Pikinini Cultural Show on the first day.
“The NGCB is the biggest sponsor to date and we will ensure that you get a full financial report, which is vital in maintaining our relationship.”
The 2011 Goroka Show will be held at the National Sports Institute over independence long weekend from Sept 16-18, with this year’s to be the 54th show.