Partnership to give athletes world-class preparation

The National Sports

To mark Olympic Day, the Australian High Commission announced a new partnership with the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) that will give local athletes world-class preparation in their bid to qualify for next year’s Tokyo Olympic Games.
Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp made the announcement alongside PNGOC secretary-general and Auvita Rapilla before joining an Olympic Day workout session led by Olympians Ryan Pini and Dika Toua at Ela Beach as part of the world’s largest 24-hour digital Olympic workout.
A AU$250,000 (K595,200) grant will assist PNGOC to:

  • Provide access to training camps in PNG and Australia that offer high level facilities;
  • Maximise preparation and qualification through attendance at international competitions;
  • Upskill PNG coaches using Australian coaching expertise; draw on Australia’s leading sports scientists to build capacity in PNG; and,
  • Give financial support to athletes so they can focus on training to an Olympic standard.

“As sport-loving nations and closest neighbours, Australia and PNG are natural team mates,” Philp said.
“We are proud to support Team PNG in its ambitions for Olympic success, bringing Papua New Guinea-Australia sports cooperation to a new level”.
When thanking Philp, Rapilla said: “Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee is proud to be a part of the broader partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
“Our countries have a strong history of partnership that extends onto the sporting fields.
“Solidarity and friendship are foundational values of the Olympic movement, with PNG and Australia members of the Oceania Olympic family.
“This support brings Team PNG’s athletes and coaches closer to their Olympic dreams.”
The package, funded through the PacificAus Sports programme, builds on 20 years of partnership that helped PNG athletes get to last year’s Samoa Pacific Games, brought NRL teams to PNG, and continues to deliver benefits to communities through inclusive, safe sports.
Olympic Day was introduced to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on June 23, 1894.
The goal is to promote sports participation across the globe regardless of age, gender or physical ability.