More than 30,000 turn out for city Run

 By MELTON PAIS
More then 30,000 residents in National Capital District took part in yesterday’s Trukai Fun-Run in support of the PNG Cancer Foundation and Team PNG to the Rio Olympics.
People came from as far as Laloki and 14-Mile to take part in the event because largely because of transportation provided by city hall at the behest of Governor Powes Parkop – free of charge.
The participants ranged in age from as young as four months (being carried by parents or rolled in prams) to septuagenarians and school students anywhere from five years old to 18 years.
The early rise for the 5am start did not seem to bother the participants with smiles and laughs in plentiful supply as the runners gathered at the starting line at the City Hall/Vision City traffic light intersection.
Among the groups of participants were  representatives from the PNG Defence Force, Royal PNG Constabulary Units,  a few PNG SP Hunters players and other sporting heroes such as 2016 SP Award winner  Linda Pulsan from PNG Power lifting as well as players from the Cricket Hebou PNG Barramundis and PNG hockey team.
Since it was event to support national athletes at the Rio Olympic game in August, PNG Olympic Committee chairman Sir John Dawanicura was on hand to take part. The other reps from PNGOC were secretary-general Auvita Rapilla and her deputy Andrew Lepani.
Sir John thanked the Trukai industry for making the event a success in Port Moresby and throughout the country.
He also thanked the police and defecne forces for providing security for the runners and controlling traffic. “I want to thank each and every one of you making this day a success for taking part in the  fun-run which is not only to support our Team PNG but we are also doing this in support of  our Cancer foundation,” Sir John said. Prior to the start of the Fun Run Trukai Industies special guest Matt Bowen, a former North Queensland and Maroons fullback gave a brief speech to the runners and encouraged them to enjoy the occassion and to believe in the cause of the activity.