Pini elected to head commission

COMMONWEALTH Games gold medallist Ryan Pini is the new Papua New Guinea Athletes Commission (PNGAC) chairman after being elected by fellow PNGAC members on Friday.
Supporting the former swimmer will be deputy chairman Lua Rikis.
Pini was the deputy chairman in the last term which ended in July.
He takes over from Karo Lelai who has served two terms.
Former PNG Pepes captain Rikis is also serving her second term as a member of the commission, with this being her first time in a leadership role.
The election was held as part of an induction facilitated by the PNG Olympic Committee for the 11 new members who were recently voted in.
PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) secretary-general Auvita Rapilla welcomed the new members and encouraged them to be good role models for their fellow athletes. “This is your opportunity to grow your leadership qualities and become a good example for other athletes to follow,” she told the members.
“As members of the commission, you have an important obligation.
“You are not only representing your sport but all the athletes in the country.”
Acknowledging Lelai, Pini said the commission had started a lot of important work under her leadership which he was looking forward to continue.
Rikis also paid tribute to Lelai and the members, and challenged herself to take the lead in the new term.
Lelai thanked Pini and Rikis for taking on the leadership role, saying that it was a great challenge but a rewarding one, to be able to speak for athletes and representing them on different matters.
The commission advocates athlete welfare, represents the views of athletes, provides advice and channel concerns of athletes through to the appropriate bodies.
The 2019-2023 commission includes Pini, Rikis, Vagi Henry, Milton Kisapai, Toua Udia, Raphaela Baki, Judith Meauri and Lorraine Harry, who were elected during the Pacific Games.
Two additional members, Nigel Bana and Lois Garena, were appointed by the PNGOC.
Lelai, by virtue of her role as Oceania national Olympic Committee and Association of National Olympic Committees chairman, also sits on the commission as an ex-officio member.