PM’s Golden Jubilee Oldies Basketball Competition Launched Proper Season

The Prime Minister’s Golden Jubilee Oldies Basketball Competition officially launched its 2025 proper season last Thursday night, May 29th, at Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex in Port Moresby. 

Officiating at the season launch were distinguished figures, including Prime Minister James Marape, Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea Patron and former Alotau MP Charles Abel, BFPNG President David Peter, former Works & Highways Secretary David Wereh, and Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited Managing Director Sarimu Kanu, to mention a few.

Under the theme ‘Health is Wealth’, Prime Minister James Marape in collaboration with the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea initiated this concept, aiming to foster a healthy and active lifestyle, especially for people who are 40 years old and above. 

Prime Minister Marape has urged and encouraged folks who are in their 40s and above to participate in the Golden Jubilee Hoops, giving his full support to BFPNG under the leadership of President David Peter. 

The Prime Minister also revealed that similar concepts would be rolled out to other codes, such as touch rugby and soccer in the future. 

Former Alotau MP and BFPNG Patron Charles Abel, who advocates healthy living, praised Prime Minister Marape and Mr. Peter for initiating this brilliant concept, with the support of basketball legends behind the scenes. 

In addition, the Managing Director of Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited Sarimu Kanu announced a sponsorship of K300,000 to the competition, emphasizing KMHL’s commitment to supporting sports in the country.  

BFPNG President David Peter expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for championing this Golden Jubilee Oldies competition, including Patron Charles Abel’s support, and extending his thanks to KMHL for its sponsorship.

Meanwhile, round 1 of the competition started last Thursday night (May 29) after the launch, and round 2 will commence this week. With over 30 teams confirming their participation, the competition will run until September. 

President Peter and BFPNG are confident of delivering a successful Golden Jubilee Oldies Basketball finals in September, which will coincide with PNG’s commemoration of its 50th Anniversary.