2016 has been a busy year for the Papua New Guinea Olympics Committee, with big events like the Rio Olympics.
This is also the first year for PNGOC’s new strategic Plan 2016-2020.
While female leadership gained new heights in the committee, as Emma Waiwai became Vice President, and Auvita Rapila held the post of General Secretary.
Throughout the year, PNGOC, was directed by its vision to ‘Inspire and Unite Papua New Guineans through Sporting Excellence and Success’ under its Strategic Plan 2016-2020.
Paving way for athletes to make their appearance in the Rio Olympics in August was the key priority.
With 8 athletes in the likes of Raymond Ovinou, Ryan Pini, Toea Wisil, Samantha and Maximillan Kassman, Theo Piniau and others, PNG’s Rio Olympics Contingent left PNG shores for the world event.
Though most bowed out in their first heat, Toea Wisil appeared in the preliminary rounds but fell short of the finals qualifying time in the Women’s 100 meter sprint by 16 seconds when she clocked in at 11.48.
And remarkable turn of events when PNGOC General Secretary Auvita Rapila was made member of the International Olympic Committee following the games, during the 129th IOC session.
Adding to that achievement was the recognition of individuals who were involved in sports, as 7 awards were given to the Team PNG Members during the SP Awards earlier this year, for their tireless efforts in 2015 sporting events, most importantly, being the Pacific Games.
To top off this year, the PNGOC inducted five of PNG‘s sporting legends into the PNG Sports Hall of Fame.
That includes weightlifting siblings, David and Jackson Seeto; former sprinter, Salitia Pipit; swimmer, Nigel Cluer and boxing legend, Tumat Sogolik.
This marks their entry into the Hall of Fame alongside Sir John Kaputin and Edward Laboran.
