Sporting circles mourn death of Bundu

Normal, Sports

THE Papua New Guinea sporting fraternity, in particular, Women In Sport (WIS) are mourning the passing of one of their champions in late Florence Bundu.
Despite being asthmatic, it did not deter her from   ensuring women had their fair share on the sporting field.
Bundu, who was renowned for her prowess on the basketball courts, which had taken her to several international tournaments today has her daughter Jenny following in her footsteps.
The late Bundu had one of her attacks in her office and was struggling without her puffer, which she had left at home that day.
Daughter Jenny had to race with time to get it to her from home, but her efforts were in vain.
Her mother was unable to pull through in the vehicle on the way to the Pacific International Hospital.
Her closest friend and the president of PNG Netball Federation Emily Taule broke the news of her passing yesterday.
“I have a heavy and difficult burden of informing you of the sudden death of my dearest, dearest friend and sister Florence Bundu late yesterday evening,” Taule said.
Condolences messages for Bundu were pouring right across the Pacific ocean as far as Cook Islands after they got the news on the internet.
The Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) general secretary Rosaline Blake was the first international visitor to send in her condolence message.
The message read: “The sad news is so unbelievable. Florence was a wonderful friend, she was ever so nice to us during our visit to PNG, its like losing a sister. From all of us here, our very sincere and deep sorrow to all of you there.
During her time, Bundu was the senior female vice president of PNG Sports Federation. She was also chair on several sporting committees.
She was the chairperson of the WIS committee and the deputy chairperson of  PNG HIV Prevention through Sport committee.
Her experiences were gained 30 years of sports and social welfare, including her commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
A trained high school teacher, Bundu held double degrees in education (UPNG) and Applied Science in human movement studies (QUT), Australia. She also held a diploma in teaching physical education at the National Sports Institute.
Her career commenced as a research/training officer with the Agriculture Bank in Port Moresby in the early 80s before streaming into the sports, welfare and administration of these fields.
With the experience she had acquired over her career, coupled with her qualifications, Bundu consulted and facilitated programmes within and overbroad.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed with the family and the PNG Sports Federation.