PNG aiming high

THE Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee’s goal at next year’s Pacific Games in Samoa is for Team PNG to finish on top of the medal tally for the first time on foreign soil.
PNGOC president Sir John Dawanincura shared this view with participants of the 2018 Prime Minister’s Corporate Golf Challenge on Friday in Port Moresby.
“This vision is in line with a challenge put to us by the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill following our win at the 15th Pacific Games in Port Moresby in 2015,” Sir John said.
Team PNG is aiming to compete in all 28 sports on offer at the Samoa Games.
“With your support, we’re hoping to raise enough to send a large contingent to Samoa next year for this mission.”
A team of about 500 athletes and officials will be selected to represent PNG in Apia.
The Prime Minister’s Corporate Golf Challenge is the PNG Olympic Committee’s second fundraising event for Team PNG.
Deputy Prime Minister, Charles Abel, who officially opened the tournament, said the event has the support of the Government and thanked organisations that participated.
“We had a very good result in 2015 and we’re looking forward to staying No.1 in the Pacific in terms of sports,” Abel said.
“Your money is going towards supporting Team PNG and our young people representing the country at the next Pacific Games,” Abel said.
“Sports is an important part of our community and our young people and I thank you all for supporting this event.”
The PNGOC will be holding another Prime Minister’s Golf Challenge next May before Team PNG leave for Samoa.
A total of 52 teams registered for the tournament this year which saw the Cocoa Board claiming first prize ahead of defending champions MRDC while the third place went to the Coffee Industry Corporation.
Sir John thanked major sponsors, The National, Air Niugini, Coral Sea Hotels, Theodist, Coca-Cola and the Blue 7 Team.
He acknowledged Ela Motors Toyota for providing a brand new Toyota Hilux as the hole-in-one prize for the 18th hole.
Sir John also thanked organisations that contributed prizes and sponsored holes to make the event enjoyable for everyone.