Fitting farewell for sports heroine

FOR a person who committed her life and career around sports, Florence Bundu was commemorated with praises at her funeral service at the Reverend Sioni Kami Memorial church in Port Moresby yesterday.
Through a wave of eulogies, secretary-general of the PNG Sports Federation Sir John Dawanicura remarked on her life with two words – independent and leader.
By far, those two words had stemmed a life-long career devoted to sports beginning with the PNG women’s basketball and softball teams which she represented the country before moving on to coaching.
It was through these two sports that Florence and long time friend and netball great Emily Taule became inseparable.Mrs Taule described Florence as more than a friend, a sister that inspired all through her dedication and commitment with perseverance to see things through.
She was also an advocate for junior development in sports and played a vital role in PNG Women in Sport.
Until her passing, Florence was the vice-president of the PNG Sports Federation and Olympic Committee and deputy chairperson for PNG HIV Prevention through sports committee.
It was in her latter role that she worked tirelessly with perseverance in Madang and Mt Hagen to see things through and carry out awareness of the HIV prevention through sport and truly earned her place not only as a sports icon but a humanitarian as well.
Sir John said that Florence was looking forward to  numerous sporting activities such as the Pacific Mini Games in Noumea, New Caledonia, and other upcoming events and very much expressed her desire to continue to be involved in sports.
Sir John also added that “she was a role model and an amazingly intelligent woman whom the sporting fraternity will surely miss”.