Peter Meli Trust set up

By KAIRU LAHO
PETER Meli was a legend in PNG AFL. He was a follower, player, mentor and team manager.
His last activity was on Aug 6 when as team manager of the PNG Mosquitoes, he ensured the players got home safely after their farewell barbeque.
However, on fulfilling his task he was stabbed and died later in hospital.
But his memory will live on in the Peter Meli Trust set up by AFL PNG Ltd last week for the benefit of his children.
AFL PNG Ltd chairman Scott Reid said it was their concern for Meli’s children that the trust was established.
“Most probably he did not make provisions for them given the nature of his death. We want to ensure that there is an ongoing way to help them because Meli was always willing to help others while he was with us,” Reid said. 
The Peter Meli Trust has been set up with contributions from AFL PNG, the AFL, Essendon AFL club and AFL Port Moresby.
The trustees of the Trust will be Reid, Prof Kenneth Sumbuk, an official of Meli’s club, University Tigers and AFL PNG Ltd development manager Walter Yangomina.
Reid said the trust would pay school fees, books, uniforms and related costs direct to schools and suppliers for the children concerned.
He also said on the anniversary of Peter’s death every year, AFL PNG would hold a memorial match and a BBQ with proceeds given to the trust.
He will also be commemorated through the awarding of the Peter Meli Medal for the best PNG player in the International Cup every year.
The Mosquitoes are currently defending the title in Sydney and Melbourne this month.