Team PNG praised

The National Sports

PAPUA New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) secretary-general Auvita Rapilla said this year’s Pacific Games was the highlight for the country’s sportsmen and women while president Sir John Dawanincura said next year will be an even bigger challenge to our sportsmen and women.
“Team PNG’s performance in Samoa was a remarkable achievement,” she said at a PNGOC luncheon at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby on Wednesday.
“We created history by winning our most number of medals on foreign soil, finishing runner-up on the medal tally.
“It would not have been possible without all of you.”
Rapilla said PNGOC managed to raise the funds via sponsorships and two major fundraising events – the Trukai Fun Run and the Prime Minister’s Corporate Golf in Port Moresby and Lae.
“Recognising our sporting heroes is an important part of inspiring others and the 2019 SP Sports Awards again provided the opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic efforts of the sportsmen and women striving for excellence,” Rapilla said.
“This has been an exceptional year for us because International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach also visited PNG in May to open the PNG Olympic Haus that also saw the signing of our memorandum of understanding with the PNG Sports Foundation.”
She also highlighted former sportsmen and women like the late Sibona Oka, Iammo Launa and Geua Tau, who were inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame last month.

Sir John Dawanincura

Meanwhile, PNGOC president Sir John Dawanincura said next year will be an even bigger challenge to our sportsmen and women.
Sir John said: “We continue to grow with our athletes over the years as a team to achieve success and excellence. We are a family of corporate sponsors in cash and kind to support and value the sacrifices of our athletes for our country.
“Next year will be an even bigger challenge to our sportsmen and women.” PNGOC’s 2019 sponsors include: PNG Sports Foundation, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd, Trukai Limited, Air Niugini, Capital Insurance Group, ExxonMobil, SP Brewery, The National, Blue 7 Team, IBS University, Coral Sea Hotels, Theodist, Media Partners, Trophy Haus, Ela Motors, Coca Cola, National Gaming Control Board and the NCDC.