PM commits K4bil for 2015 Games

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill announced a massive K4 billion funding to prepare for the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby when welcoming Team PNG from Noumea, New Caledonia on Tuesday night.
O’Neill pledged K20 million for work to start in the next four months and K4 billion for the next four years.
“As leader in government or sport, we have a duty to reach beyond our time and borders and to have a vision which serves those who are after us,” he said.
O’Neill said the government recognised the power sports had in uniting the country.
“Sports are vital in developing our nation and the love our people for sports. Under my government we will give our support.
“Tonight, on behalf of our beloved country welcome you, our athletes back to PNG,” O’Neill said.
He added that K15,000 was released to the host organising committee of the PNG Games in Kokopo for the 2012 PNG Games.
During the welcome reception at the Lamana Gold Club, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop challenged the national government to allocate more funds for sports in the country.
“Prime Minister, it was an emotional closing ceremony for me when I watched our women soccer play and I am still emotional tonight, Parkop said.
“We, the government did not support these sportsmen and women who have made us proud. They needed our support but the government came at the last minute to support them with K3 million.
“We are supposed to help them early so they can prepare themselves and win more medals for PNG,” Parkop said.
“It will be good if the government gave the funds early so that work could begin for the Pacific Games in 2015. It will also be fitting to celebrate the 40 years of independence for the country.”
PNG chef de mission Tamzin Wardley said Team PNG made a few commitments to the participants from the Pacific island nations for the 2015 games.
“We promised there will be no yard sticks and people could have tea and coffee at every meal. If there was a hill on the University campus which will house all the athletes for the 2015 games, we will put the bulldozers through it,” she said.
“In all seriousness the countries of the Pacific are expecting great things from PNG in 2015 so while our athletes prepare themselves, we have a huge task ahead of us to deliver games that are expected to be the best ever.
We set a benchmark in 1991 and now we have to better it,” Wardley said.