By THADDEUS TIRIMAN
Nambawan Super Ltd managing director Leon Buskens has been appointed the patron of Touch Football Papua New Guinea (TFPNG) making him the [second] patron since the inception of the code in 1984. [Politician and businessman Peter Yama was the first patron from 1991-1993].
TFPNG president Joe Yore officially announced this yesterday at a press conference at Era Rumana Building in Port Moresby.
"I accepted the offer to be patron of the TFPNG because I believe in what they are trying to promote and that is healthy lifestyles, gender equality and also strengthening families." Buskens said.
He appealed to Papua New Guineans to pursue healthy lifestyles.
"Today many young Papua New Guineans die because of heart diseases caused by stress and lack of exercise. This is not a good sign for us.
"We have to change our attitude towards life and adopt healthy lifestyles. Sport is one good way to keep ourselves fit. Touch football has provided an avenue here for people who cannot involve themselves in other sports."
He acknowledged the benefits his own organisation has been receiving through the corporate touch competition as he sees his staff looking fit healthy, and alert.
He said although he is a busy men he has taken this time out to be part of TFPNG in a way of
encouraging the workforce and the people
generally to engage in touch football and also other sporting activi-
ties to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyles.
"Touch football unlike most other sports is a sport for all. We can have people from all ages, gender and sizes playing the sport and because the sport has a huge following it can be used as a vehicle for carrying out social messages to the community such as HIV/AIDS awareness, violence against women and law and order issues. "
TFPNG has still to secure a major sponsor and Buskens is also appealing to corporate organisations to come forward and assist.

Source: The National (http://www.thenational.com.pg/020508/sports%205.htm), Picture: Nationalpic by Ekar Keapu.