Pacific, PNG mourn the loss of AFL PNG founder Reid

THE AFL community in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific is mourning the death of Scott Reid, pictured.
The AFL PNG founder passed away in Melbourne, Australia, on July 26 and his funeral will be held today.
AFL PNG officials left the country last week to attend the funeral.
Sports Vice-Minister Wesley Raminai said he was saddened by the passing of Reid, who founded AFL PNG in 2001.
“PNG has lost a great sporting icon,” he said in a statement.
“For more than 20 years, the late Scott had contributed immensely to the development of AFL in the country. Scott has been an integral part the AFL PNG family since the inception of the code and has particularly been a driving force behind everything that the code has achieved over the last 20 years.
“It is through Scott’s guidance, passion and drive that a lot of Papua New Guineans have been part of the AFL programme with many going on to represent PNG in Australia.
“We, in the Sports Ministry, and the sporting fraternity in PNG are indebted to the late Scott’s family for the contributions he has made.
“It is not often that you come across such dedicated individuals who commit themselves to a cause.
“Reid’s passing is a great loss to not only AFL PNG but the sporting fraternity in Papua New Guinea as a whole.
“From the Sports and National Events Ministry, the Government and the people of Kagua-Erave, our sincere condolences go out to the Reid family, their relatives and friends.
“May the good lord grant him solace and his soul rest in eternal peace.”