PNGOC thanks The National

PAPUA New Guinea Olympic Committee yesterday presented a plaque of appreciation to The National for its support to Team PNG for this year’s Tokyo Olympic Games.
Secretary-general Auvita Rapilla said her committee’s partnership with The National had helped raised funds to support national athletes for representative duties.
“We’re extremely grateful for the support that we’ve received from The National over the years,” she said.
“They have been a great supporter of Team PNG and the committee.
“We’re happy that we have them onboard in 2021, the year of our 60th anniversary.
“Their support has enabled us to raise fund for Team PNG and send them to a range of Games — in this case the Olympic Games in Tokyo.”
Sailing siblings Rose-Lee and Teariki Numa presented the token of appreciation to Andy Ng, the general manager of Pacific Star Limited, which publishes The National.
Meanwhile, Rapilla said the committee’s focus next year would be on the Pacific Mini Games in the Northern Marianas and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in June and July respectively.
“We have Team PNG athletes preparing for these events,” she said.
“A number of athletes and teams are still trying to qualify.
“We have the Asian Games in China from September to October, but our focus will be on those two Games next year.”