The Gama leg of the Madang Governor’s Cup ended on Saturday with loud cheers and a strong sense of pride in the remote Usino Bundi district.

For a week, more than 48 teams battled it out in soccer and basketball.

The big milestone was that, for the first time, soccer was officially played in this mountainous corner of Madang, which sits along the Bismarck Range and shares a border with Jiwaka Province.

Governor Ramsey Pariwa’s office, represented by project officer Stanley Soma, joined the closing ceremony and handed over trophies and cash prizes.

“This is a historic moment for us because such an event was never held here in the past,” said Gama Sports Association chairman Vincent Karim.

“We are thankful to Governor Pariwa for bringing it to our community. ”Local leader Boniface Aiwa said the tournament was about more than sport.

“It’s uniting young people and keeping them busy, away from lawlessness. I was impressed to see teams from all 14 wards in Gama LLG, and even from Middle Ramu and Jiwaka, joining us,” he said.

In men’s soccer, Binak 2 emerged champions, taking home K2,000, while Dumuai Dwellers settled for second with K1,500. K.O Particles and JRN Singai 2 finished third and fourth.

In women’s basketball, ADK 1 took the top prize with K1,000, while TSA, K.O Particles and ADK 2 followed behind.

Soma encouraged the association to register formally to secure ongoing support. “Governor Pariwa has committed to making the Governor’s Cup an annual event,” he said.

For the winners, especially Binak 2, the victory was more than just silverware.

It was a chance to prove that even in remote valleys, sport can inspire discipline, pride and hope.