Auction raises K210,000

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee raised K210,000 from the Port Moresby leg of the annual Trukai Fun Run auction at Apec Haus on Thursday night.
The funds will go towards helping Team PNG compete in the upcoming Pacific Mini Games and Commonwealth Games.
Committee president Sir John Dawanicura thanked the business community, including Trukai Industries Limited, and individuals for their support.
The top-three bidders were PNG Rugby Union, Homa Security Services and Brian Bell Group.
The Lae leg of the auction the last month raised raised K145,000.
“The Coronavirus has affected our fundraisers in recent years, but we are happy that this event is a success,” Sir John said. “On behalf of Team PNG and the committee, I would like to thank business houses and individuals in Port Moresby and Lae for the great support. Big thanks to Trukai Industries which has always been there for us and they continue to support Team PNG.”
“Without the support, we would not have our team compete in world events.
“We have a four-year cycle of events which includes the Pacific Games, Pacific Mini Games, Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Olympic Games and the Olympics.”
Sir John said they had 50,000 Fun Run shirts to sell this year.
“We encourage Papua New Guineans to get behind Team PNG by purchasing a shirt each for K15,” he said.
“Your support gives confidence to offer the best possibilities for our athletes and country.”
Sir John said PNGOC’s target was to raise K4.5 million for six upcoming international events.
The committee’s other fundraiser is the Prime Minister’s Golf Challenge which will start in Lae on Friday.