Ironman auction brings in K56,000
By THADDEUS TIRIMAN
THE Sepik Ironman auction in Port Moresby last Saturday night raised a total of K56,000 at the Ela Beach Hotel.
The highest bid was by Ela Motors PNG on the auctioning of PNG long distance star runner Sapolai Yao for K18,000.
Ela Motors PNG general manager Wally Haydok was glad that he had spent such an amount on Sapolai not only to boost his team but also as an opportunity to give back to the people of East Sepik province what they have given his firm.
This year, South Pacific gold medalist Yao, known for his endurance on the track, was the hot property.
Eda Ranu, who were also after Yao gave Ela Motors a run for their money but eventually conceded at K18,000.
Other athletes auctioned that night were sprinter Raphaela Baki, Betty Burua, Cecilia Kumulalamene and young Eastern Highlander Poro Gaheka .
Artifacts, paintings and household accessories were also sold at the auction.
This year’s Sepik Ironman will be held during the Queens birthday weekend. It has become bigger attracting international participation from the Solomon Islands.
The islanders are sending a strong team. Four of their athletes were also put on auction and PNG’s Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, who was present at the auction, won the bid for Wilfred Bosa, one of the Solomon Islanders who was bought for K2,000.
Present at the auction to represent the Solomon Islands team was Ross Andrewartha who also gave an overview of the development of the triathlon in Oceania.
Chairman of the Sepik Ironman planning committee Stephen Damien was very thankful for the support shown by business houses and individuals and announced proceeds from the auction are going to the Wewak General Hospital and also to assist the four elite PNG athletes with their school fees.
The Kumun family team were last year’s Sepik Ironman winners walking away with K10,000 prize money.
Ela Motors team won the 2006 Ironman with the help of PNG swimming sensation and event major draw card Ryan Pini.
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