PNGOC welcomes government support for Team PNG

THE Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has welcomed the Government’s announcement of K1million to support Team PNG’s participation at this year’s Pacific Games in Samoa.
The funding support has been earmarked for levy fees, according to a PNGOC statement.
“With these funds received by PNGOC, all levies that have been paid to date will be refunded to the person or entity that made the payment,” it said.
“With 39 days to go before the opening ceremony, the PNGOC is still looking to secure funding to cover the full budget of Team PNG’s participation at the Games.
“The biggest cost in the budget is that of the charter flights to Samoa. We note the Government has indicated its intention to support this cost as well.”
Whilst the PNGOC is confident that the full budget will be met, it has also begun to explore contingency options including, the reduction of the team size, and reallocating funding provided to sports to support their preparations.
“The final size of Team PNG is now more distinct pending the outcomes of several appeals from athletes and sports that were not endorsed by the PNGOC’s Justification Committee (JC),” the statement said.
“The JC endorses (or not) athletes and officials for Team PNG based on the Team PNG selection standards and policies which have been available to sports since 2016.
“These standards were based on sports and athletes demonstrating genuine medal potential for the 2019 Pacific Games and demonstrating their current form through recognised competition results and performances.
“PNGOC is cognisant of the expectation by Government, sponsors and public for Team PNG to produce medal-winning results at the Games in order to justify the level of expenditure needed to send the team.”
In addition to the Government support, PNGOC said it was grateful for the financial support it had received from Trukai Limited, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited and SP Brewery.
“PNGOC also thanks those who have contributed to our fundraising efforts through participation in the Prime Minister’s Corporate Golf Challenge and purchasing of Trukai Fun Run T-shirts,” it said.
Organisations interested in supporting Team PNG can contact the PNGOC for further discussions.
The Pacific Games is the most followed sporting event in the region and Team PNG is looking forward to exceeding expectations and producing the medal winning performances in Samoa that will make the country proud of our athletes and officials.