Markham District celebrated PNG's 51st Independence Anniversary in style - with the launching of its new Mini Stadium as hundreds gathered at Luther Wenge Field at Mutzing Station on Wednesday to witness the double celebration - the country's birthday and a new chapter for sports in Markham.

Markham MP and Acting Speaker Hon. Koni Iguan, who officiated at the event, said the new stadium is an Independence gift to the people of Markham.

He said, after 51 years, Markham is moving from playing on bush fields to having a proper sporting facility.

"Usually, locals initiate and host games using local fields. The building and it's launching now set the foundation to organize and run sports in a proper playing ground," Iguan said.

The new Mini Stadium has a proper playing field, fencing, and sitting benches for spectators.

The MP said this is just the beginning. Plans are already in place to upgrade the facility further with a double-storey building that will include toilets, shower rooms, and a gym.

He said after the upgrade, the District will set up sports committees in Leron Wantoat, Onga-Wafa and Umi LLGs and Artzera to revive competitions. And teams from the LLGs will then compete in an annual district tournament.

The launching was marked with revival games involving local clubs. Mr.Shadrachi Tai, Coach for Umi Five-Yarus Football Club, said his team was happy to be part of the historic celebration.

Mr. Tai thanked the DDA for bringing sports back to the district, "We are happy to participate in the revival of the district games as part of the Independence Anniversary and the launching of the stadium. Soccer had died out because of lack of support," Tai said.

MP Iguan also added that sports officials who had killed sports in the past will not be allowed to participate again, however only honest officials will be engaged to run sports professionally going forward.

He said as PNG celebrates 51 years, Markham must use infrastructure like the new stadium to empower its youths.