The Ternate City Government has officially sent off the contingent that will compete in the XII Regional Student Sports Week (POPDA) of North Maluku Province in Morotai Island Regency. The send-off ceremony, which took place at Ahmad Yani Port on Sunday (5/7/2026), symbolized the start of the struggle for Ternate's young athletes to maintain their winning tradition.
Vice Mayor of Ternate, Nasri Abubakar, personally led the send-off procession by handing over the pataka flag to the Head of the Ternate City Youth and Sports Department (Dispora), Sutopo Abdullah. This year, Ternate has set an ambitious target to retain the overall champion title, which they have successfully won for four consecutive editions.
Head of the Ternate City Dispora, Sutopo Abdullah, detailed that the dispatched contingent consists of 133 people, comprising 100 athletes, as well as coaches, officials, and committee members. He emphasized that this event is not just a competition, but a stage for young talents to prove their quality as regional sports ambassadors.
In his address, Nasri Abubakar emphasized the importance of maintaining the region's good name and sportsmanship while in Morotai. He stressed that the rotating trophy taken to the competition venue is only a temporary entrustment and must be brought back home to Ternate as proof of student sports dominance in the region.
Furthermore, the Vice Mayor also highlighted the strategic value of this sporting achievement. According to him, achievements at POPDA are not only a source of regional pride but also a valuable asset for students, both for their educational paths and future career development. All parties were invited to offer prayers and support so that the overall champion target can be achieved.
