PNG softball loses sporting icon

Late Jack Pidik.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) sporting community is mourning the passing of softball sporting icon, Jack Pidik.

Pidik, from Matupit in East New Britain (ENB), died peacefully in Cairns on Monday. He is survived by his Australian wife, three children and grandchildren.

The late Jack Pidik has been described as a pioneer in softball after transitioning from baseball and was among the talented players from Matupit who founded the Brown Eagle softball club. He was also in our first team to play in Guam.

During his life, the late Pidik, went on to become a softball administrator and coach. He was behind the emergence of the Gazelle softball club which went on to win 18 grand finals.

In honor of the late Jack Pidik, all softball games this weekend have been cancelled.