png-sports-foundation-supports-team-png-to-birmingham-2022
The Government of Papua New Guinea through the PNG Sports Foundation presented a cheque of K626,980.00 to support Team PNG’s total budgeted cost of K1.3million to ensure their participation at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) President Sir John Dawanincura and Secretary General Auvita Papilla received the Cheque on behalf of Team PNG on the eve of the departure of the main Team for the Games.
An elated Sir John acknowledged the much-needed support from the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) through the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation (PNGSF) towards Team PNG.
“We always maintain the One Team, One Dream philosophy. On behalf of the PNGOC and Team PNG, we acknowledge the continued support from the Government, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, Minister of Sports Hon. Wesley Raminai through the receipt of this cheque today through the PNGSF and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Albert Veratau”, Sir John said.
“These funds will meet the shortfall needed by PNGOC to send the 54 – member contingent of 33 Athletes and 21 Officials to the Games”.
“It’s through such international sporting events that we promote national unity and national pride when the flag of PNG is flown”, Sir John added, as he also acknowledged the continued support from PNGOC’s corporate partners and sponsors.
Secretary General Auvita Rapilla acknowledged the good working relationship between the two organisations and emphasized the mutual engagements that have benefitted Team PNG Athletes with their training and preparations through the services under the PNGSF through its facilities in the National Sports Institute in Goroka, High Performance Sport PNG in Port Moresby and through other Venues.
“We are grateful for the funding received today as this ensures that we fulfill all cost obligations for Team PNG to the Commonwealth Games”, Rapilla said.
PNGSF CEO Albert Veratau said the support signifies the cordial and continued working dialogue and partnership between the two sporting organisations for further work engagement to develop a clear development pathway and sustainable elite programs in PNG, who work together to carry out the aspirations of the sporting athletes in the country.
“In recent times, as you all have witnessed, there have been more open dialogue and collaboration between our organisations, which has resulted in a lot more meaningful discussions that have provided for clear demarcations with increased benefits in terms of opportunities and services for Athletes”, CEO Veratau said.
“We are here to support one another in the pursuit of sporting excellence for our Athletes”.
Mr. Veratau echoed the sentiments and acknowledgments by PNGOC and thanked the Government of the day through Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and Sports Minister Hon. Wesley Raminai for their continued commitment to ensuring such significant financial support towards Team PNG was available despite the Government being in transition due to the 2022 National General Elections currently being underway.
Veratau also acknowledged the Department of Treasury for ensuring the funds were made available and also made mention of and acknowledged the support of the Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council, Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Veratau encouraged Team PNG Athletes to be mentally resilient and tough to take on the challenges of being an elite athlete and wished the team all the best, on behalf of the Government of PNG and its 9 million people.
[ Back to News ]
