33,000 for Olympic run
The National, Friday July 6th, 2012
By KEITH PUARIA
MORE than 33,000 participants from seven centres could take to the streets on Sunday for the 2012 Olympic Day Trukai Fun Run.
The expected number of runners comes from an unconfirmed total of 23,000 Fun Run shirts auctioned off in Lae earlier this year and 10,000 collectively sold in Mt Hagen (2,500), Goroka (1,200), Kokopo (1,200), Kavieng (500), Lihir (2,000), Popondetta (2,000) and Tabubil (1,000).
The unconfirmed shirt value from the centres –K330,000. Port Moresby alone auctioned off close to 37,000 T-shirts, at an unconfirmed value of K370,000, significantly K150,000 lower than the previous year.
The nationwide estimate total value however is K700,000.
Trukai Industries, through proceeds from the annual run, will contribute K500,000 to the preparation and participation of the country’s athletes at international sporting events, in this case the London Olympics.
This commitment has been ongoing.
Papua New Guinea Sports Federation and Olympic Committee president Sir John Dawanincura appealed to all participants to take part in the true spirit of the day.
“It’s an exceptionally important day, in fact the biggest annual community sporting event. It is our part in the International Olympic Committee’s “sport for all” promotion,” Sir John said.
“I appeal to the public and motorists who will not be taking part, to avoid the marked fun run routes in the centres to allow participants to take part without hassle.
“I appeal to those who may find themselves intoxicated on Sunday morning to stay away from the routes as much as possible for your own safety, the good of the participants and the true spirit of the run.”
He thanked Trukai Industries for its ongoing support of the run, as well as support sponsors.
Sir John extended his gratitude to the Trukai Rotary Clubs that will be coordinating the run around the country and the St John Ambulance for its commitment to the event.
Port Moresby’s run has been deferred to Sept 2 because of the general election counting taking place at the Sir John Guise stadium.