PNGOC commends sports

THE Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee congratulated its member national federations for their team’s victories at international events over the last week.
It started with the PNG Under-19 Garamuts winning the East Asia Pacific World Cup Trophy Qualifier in Samoa. The win seals their spot in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand next year.
The win was even sweeter for the nation since it will be their eighth appearance at the ICC U19 World Cup and also marks their return to the tournament after missing the last one.
Another win for the country came in the triumph of the SP PNG Hunters in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup over the Wynnum Manly Sea Eagles in Port Moresby.
The Hunters held on at home to win 28-22.
The win secured the minor premiership title for the Hunters and put a new mark in their history.
PNG swim star, Ryan Pini also stamped his mark in the week with a new world record in the men’s 100m backstroke taking the gold medal.
His time was 57.91 seconds, set at the 17th FINA World Masters Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Pini’s time also set the new championship record.
He was also appointed to the FINA Athletes Commission adding to his other roles as the PNG Athletes Commission rep, Pacific Games Athletes rep and the ONOC Athletes rep.
One of the biggest achievement this week came from the PNG Mosquitoes who claimed their third International Cup title in Australian Rules football after narrowly defeating New Zealand 4.5 (29) – 4.4 (28) in the grand final in Melbourne.
The Mosquitoes have dominated the game since the tournament began in 2002, with their first win in 2008 and the second in 2014.
“This was truly an exciting week of sporting excellence and we are very proud of the achievements of our teams and athletes,” Sir John Dawanincura, president of PNG Olympic Committee, said.
“I congratulate each and every member of these teams for giving their very best and for the great results.
“I also commend their coaching staff and national federations for their efforts in ensuring that their teams get the best out of their games,” Sir John said.
“The PNG Olympic Committee believes strongly that sports is a powerful tool that can unify Papua New Guineans and inspire them to achieve great things. This is reflected clearly in the organisation’s vision statement, ‘To inspire and unite Papua New Guineans through sporting excellence and success’.”
“Such inspiration comes from the achievements of PNG athletes performing at high level international events, a moment that unifies the nation.”
Sir John said the success of this past week is also a great motivation for other sports who are preparing their teams for upcoming events in the year. This includes Team PNG squads attending the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Turkmenistan next month and the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu in December, and the PNG Kumuls competing in the Rugby League World Cup starting in October.
“We always encourage our athletes to give their very best. You have worked hard, trained and sacrificed a lot to be where you are.
“All you have to do now is give your very best and let the results speak for itself,” Sir John said.