Digicel puts a smile on Beijing
team
By SUSAN OREAPE-FARAPO
THE Papua New Guinea
Disabled Athletes Team has every reason to smile after
communications company Digicel (PNG) Ltd donated a hefty K55,000
to the team yesterday.
The sponsorship was a relief for the team after seeking various
organsiations for sponsorship. With Digicelís assistance it was
a timely boost as the team prepares for the Pacific Regional
Games in Fiji from Oct 24-26th.
According to PNG Disability programme manager, Sophie Tuna, the
team has gone through a rough time with financial constraints in
the past years.
ěDisability sports have struggled over the years and with the
assistance from Digicel we are very privileged to have them as
our major supporter, Tuna said.
The Pacific Regional Games is a qualifying event for the
Paralympic Games in Beijing, August next year.
The traveling team comprises of seven athletes and three
officials they are, Francis Kompaon, Sr. Angela Peter, Caxton
Simoi, Jerry Kalal, Alphie John, Noah Agino and Michael
Hianboing. The team coach, Sophie Tuna, team manger-John Susuve
and Nakema Narumbua a specialist trainer. They will participate
in the track and field, boccia and slalom events.
Elite athlete Francis Kompaon automatically qualifies for the
Beijing Games because of his outstanding track record at recent
games held this year including the Arafura Games in Darwin this
year
ěWe believe in bringing disabled sports in PNG to a higher
level. Our aim is to work together with the PNG Sport Foundation
to help gain more recognition for the disabled sports in PNG,î
Digicel Pacific Regional marketing director, Niamh Byrne said.
She said they will support as many athletes as possible to give
them a chance they deserve to qualify for the Paralympic Games
in Beijing next year.
ěThe PNG Sports Foundation is very happy that Digicel has
sponsored the PNG Disability Team. Thanks to Digicelís generous
sponsorship and the athletes will have an opportunity to prove
their athletic capabilities in the Pacific region,î team manager
John Susuve said.
