Butibam tops Ahi Festival

Butibam team leader Danny Maliaki (second from left) receives the champions trophy from Ahi Festival ambassador John Wilshere

Butibam has taken out the ultimate accolade in the Ahi Festival by winning most medals in the week-long event in Lae.

Butibam and archrival Yanga were tied on four gold medals apiece after the grand finals last Thursday (Dec 16, 2010) and Friday, but when it came to a count back, Butibam won the most medals overall.

Champion men's basketball team Yanga with festival ambassador John Wilshere (left) and Riback operations manager George Gware

Yanga, with a wealth of talent from champion Lae team NS Busu, beat a young Hengali side 40-35 in the men’s basketball grand final at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium last Friday.

In the play-off for broze, Butibam edged out Wagang 38-32.

Men's volleyball champions Butibam

In the volleyball grand finals, Butibam beat Hengali 3-1 sets in a thrilling encounter, while Yalu ended up third.

Women's volleyball champions Butibam

Butibam also took out the women’s volleyball gold medal with a 3-0 sets pounding of Hengali.

In touch football last Thursday evening, Butibam took out the men’s final with a 3-1 win over Kamkumung, while Hengali ousted Yanga for bronze 4-3.

In the women’s touch football grand final, Yanga beat Butibam 4-3 in extra time, while in the play-off for bronze, Wagang beat Yalu 4-3 in extra time.

The soccer finals were not played because of a dispute involving players and supporters from Yalu.

This marred what was otherwise a very enjoyable week of sports.

In netball, Butibam, with giant international Nettie Sao at the helm, rode roughshod over all and sundry.

The Ahi Festival involved teams from the six Ahi villages of Yalu, Kamkumung. Hengali, Butibam, Yanga and Wagang.