PNGOC praises volunteers

IN a country like Papua New Guinea where sports has a high following, it takes committed people to carry out programmes and activities.
These people are volunteers, they are people who give their time and efforts to help run programmes and events so that other people can have the opportunity to participate.
To mark the International Volunteer Day, which is observed annually on Dec 5, the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) joined the rest of the world to acknowledge and thank all volunteers for their selfless contribution to sport and community development through their work.
The day is viewed as a chance for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, share their values and promote their work among communities, non-governmental organisations, United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector.
This year’s theme is “Volunteer for an Inclusive Future”.
PNGOC secretary-general Auvita Rapilla said most of the sports officials who ran programmes for their national federations were volunteers.
She said they were volunteering for the love of the sport.
“Sports continue to grow and be promoted due do the dedication and commitment of these people,” she said in a statement.
“We believe in teamwork and this is captured in our values of honesty, excellence, respect and openness.
“They also reflect the spirit of volunteerism. We commend all the volunteers who give their time and effort in contributing to our nation’s development.
“From our volunteer board members down to the dedicated coaches and officials, all the way to the amazing mothers and fathers who volunteer their time and resources to support their children to participate in sports, the spirit of volunteerism is reflected at all levels in PNG.”
She also acknowledged Team PNG athletes who also gave a lot of their time to assist in organising and carrying out events and activities hosted by the PNG Olympic Committee.
“Our hero athletes and general management teams are all volunteers as well and we share our success as an organisation, a team and a nation with them.”