The annual National Capital District (NCD) Governor’s Cup is set to be bigger and better this Christmas festive season, with a total sponsorship of over K360,000 from NCD Governor Powes Parkop.
This unique, community-based rugby league competition, which has been successfully running for 20 years, has expanded to include soccer as a new category.
This addition provides an opportunity for youth in both sporting codes to showcase their skills and talents.
A total of 80 rugby league teams and 36 soccer teams have registered and are ready to compete, with matches kicking off this weekend.
The competition will run throughout the festive season and conclude with finals early in the new year.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop expressed his satisfaction with the positive impact rugby league has had on communities over the years through this initiative.
“The concept behind the competition has always been simple: we use sports as a powerful tool to unite our communities and work towards common goals that benefit our city and country,” Governor Parkop said.
Despite the challenges faced by the city and the nation, Governor Parkop remains confident that the country can succeed when its people come together and actively contribute to development and change through available platforms.
He emphasized that sports, in particular, offer a valuable opportunity for youth to shine.
“The NCD Governor’s Cup is not just a Christmas competition—it has produced rugby league stars who have represented not only our city in the Digicel Cup but also our nation in international leagues in the United Kingdom and Australia,” he added.
The competition also provides economic opportunities for local families, with mothers setting up SME stalls during games to earn an income to support their households.
Preliminary matches for both rugby league and soccer will be held at various fields across city suburbs, while the finals will take place at a designated venue once confirmed by the organizing committee.
Governor Parkop urged players, supporters, spectators, and communities to respect one another to ensure the competition runs smoothly and successfully, as it has in previous years.
NCD Governor’s Cup Director Billy Aki thanked Governor Parkop for his unwavering support and assured the public of his commitment to delivering a successful tournament.
Additionally, Governor Parkop has pledged K10,000 to support Christmas games organized by correctional officers for Bomana inmates, ensuring the spirit of unity and celebration extends to all.