O’Neill, Bach present for MOU signing

By HELEN TARAWA
PRIME Minister and Sports Minister Peter O’Neill and International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach yesterday witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the PNG Olympic Committee and the government through its sports arm the PNG Sports Foundation.
O’Neill met with Bach during a courtesy call at his Sir Manasupe House office yesterday.
The MOU was signed by Robert Nilkare as representative of the PNG Sports Foundation and PNG Olympic Committee president Sir John Dawanincura.
PNG Sport Foundation executive director Peter Tsiamalili Jr said the MOU was signed to enable the promotion of sports through the PNGOC.
He said the MOU captured areas where the PNG Sports Foundation and PNGOC would work together to promote sports in the country.
“Going forward in promoting sport, driving the spirit of sport through the PNGOCand the PNG Sports Foundation which is the government mandated body in the country,” Tsiamalili said.
“We are so privileged to have the president of the International Olympic Committee and our Prime Minister who is also the sports minster to witness this moment.”
It was a brief event in which O’Neill met Bach and they both witness the signing of the MOU.
Bach arrived in the country on Wednesday on a two-day visit and was hosted by PNGOC officials and the PNG Sport Foundation.
The purpose of Bach’s visit to the country was for the signing of the MOU and also opening of the PNG Olympic House.
He was also given opportunity to tour of Port Moresby’s sporting facilities and witnessed the sports demonstrations at the Taurama Indoor and Aquatic Centre.
Bach departed yesterday.