Govt commends Team PNG

By PATRICIA KEAMO
TEAM Papua New Guinea have been hailed for claiming 33 gold, 28 silver and 19 bronze to top this month’s Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Northern Marianas.
Secretary for Prime Minister James Marape and the National Executive Council, Ivan Pomaleu congratulated the team for dominating the medal tally for the third time in the country’s history.
He made special mention of five-time Olympian Dika Toua for her recent induction into the International Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame.
“When you rose up from your humble beginnings at Hanuabada village, you made PNG become a prominent weightlifting country in the world,” Pomaleu said of the 38-year-old.
“Through your sacrifice and hard work, you showed the world that PNG was more than just the negative comments, especially with what women could achieve in sports. You started your career at a very young age and became the first female weightlifter to compete in five Olympic Games.
“Your hard work and sacrifice in juggling family, friends and life in general now earns you a place in the International Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame.
“Congratulations to you, Dika.”
Pomaleu commended the team and assured them of the Government’s continued support.
Chairman David Kavanamur also assured his Kumul Consolidated Holdings’ (KCH) continued support towards the team and wished them well in their July 25-Aug 8 Birmingham Commonwealth Games campaign.
“KCH will continue to support the PNG Olympic Committee and all the young people who represent PNG,” he said.
“With the assistance that KCH has provided, we are confident that the athletes will perform.
“On behalf of Public Enterprises and State Investments Minister William Duma and the KCH board, we are proud to partner Team PNG, who topped the Pacific Mini Games medal tally.
“Thank you to all the athletes, their families, those who give them support as well as their coaching staff for their hardships and sacrifices to get this far.
“With the Pacific Games 16 months away, we will continue to support Team PNG.
“I also acknowledge the work of the national federations, athletes and management for their contributions,” said Kavanamur.