Promote us: Sir John

Sports

By ISAAC LIRI
PNG Olympic Committee president Sir John Dawanincura has called on the media in the country to get behind Team PNG with 96 days remaining before the Pacific Games.
Sir John also encouraged the athletes and officials from the sporting federations gearing up for the games to be open-minded when addressing the media on their preparations and other issues leading up to the games.
“Journalists are professionals and they know how to promote sports and the role they play can make you or break you,” Sir John said.
“Athletes and officials must also be responsible for what they say when they come across the media, they must know what to say and what not to say because what comes out can really affect an athlete or organisation.”
Sir John said the Government had challenged Team PNG and the PNG Olympic Committee to create history in winning the Pacific Games away from home for the first time and they would do their best in ensuring that goal was reached.
During a Team PNG media blitz last Friday, athletes and officials were also encouraged to be on their best behaviour leading up to the games and to stay away from activities that could tarnish their reputation as role models.
Team PNG chef de mission Emma Waiwai also made a similar plea to media outlets to help support them with their preparations leading up to the games.