Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC)

At the launch, they also revealed the Trukai Fun Run T-shirt design commemorating their 24-year partnership. The T-shirts for this year’s Fun Run are specially designed to unite the country.

To date, K4m out of the K8.24m had been received with the remaining portion yet to be released, revealed PNGOC at the 2023 Games Review Workshop held recently.

The support package was paid out to the PNG Sports Foundation on the eve of Team PNG’s departure to the 2023 Pacific Games. In addition to that, the National Gaming Control Board also committed K1 million towards Team PNG, with direct payment to Air Niugini for the team charter flights.

In a message addressed to sponsors, partners and friends at the Brian Bell Group, CPL Group - PNG, and PNG Nambawan Trophy Limited, the PNGOC emphasises the sponsors' role not only as financial backers but as an integral part of the extended Olympic family.

Facing shared challenges, they stand united, fortified by a bond that goes beyond mere sponsorship.

Encouraging their followers and the broader community to join in, the Committee pledges solidarity as their sponsors embark on the journey of recovery.

The program aims to incentivize athletes, officials, and National Federations based on their contributions to the medal tally.

The PNG Sports Foundation has supported the team by covering the cost of seven Air Niugini Charter flights for Team PNG, which amounted to K1,965,846. In addition, they deposited K3 million into the PNGOC account. The government contributed K4,965,846 to help offset the team's total expenses, which amounted to K5.2 million.

Auvita from Iokea village, Gulf Province, has committed significantly to shaping the landscape of sports in Papua New Guinea and the Olympic Movement through various roles while working with the PNGOC, and her 13-year tenure as secretary general.

Auvit’s leadership has been characterised by dedication, guidance, and loyal service, leaving an indelible mark on the PNGOC.

Her legacy is poised to inspire generations within the sporting community, says the PNGOC.

The launching was held at Jack’s of PNG, Waigani Central retail outlet, on October 25, 2023, ahead of the Pacific Games which is 24 days away.

The supporting merchandise contributes to the advancement of sports in Papua New Guinea. By wearing the merchandise, not only do the supporters spread awareness of Team PNG participating at the 2023 Pacific Games, but also foster a sense of unity and pride for the national team.

Team PNG will compete in 20 sports, involving a team of 520, including athletes, officials, management, and medical staff.

From an initial roster of 24 sports, Rugby 9s, Judo, and Sailing, were excluded and most recently, Karate, has been excluded.

The decision on Karate is being appealed by the sport to the PNG Sports Dispute Tribunal.

According to the PNG Olympic Committee Justification Committee, the codes’ adminstration failed to meet the required benchmark and justification deadlines and criteria. 

Rugby League 9s was the only sport that appealed the decision to the PNG Sports Dispute Tribunal who ultimately upheld the decision of the Justification Committee.

The PNGOC is urging all sports targeting participation in the upcoming November 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games to meet all requirements by September 6th.

The games were organized as part of their semester break festival with the theme of “Promoting Integral Human Development”. Several sports took place across the fields including athletics, soccer, Rugby League 9s, touch rugby (football), tennis, basketball, volleyball, to name a few.

Present on the day as well was the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), who were invited to put up their booth and promote the upcoming Olympic Day on the 23^rd of June.

The theme for the Olympic Day is “Let’s Move.”

Gosper was the first Team Manager and Coach for Team Papua New Guinea when it participated in its first multi-sport event, the British Empire and Commonwealth Games, held in Perth, Western Australia in 1962. The blazer he donated was worn during that event.

Gosper has had a long and successful career in sports. He was a world-class 400m runner, winning a Silver medal at the 1956 Olympic Games and a Gold medal at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. He also captained the Australian Athletics Team to the 1960 Olympic Games.