Pictured: PNGOC President, Sir John Dawanincura (File Image)
The PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC), under the leadership of President Sir John Dawanincura, today acknowledged the PNG Government, PNG Sports Foundation, Kumul Mineral Holdings and National Gaming Control Board for their support towards Team PNG to the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games, and provided an update on the status of Government funding for the Solomon Islands Pacific Games 2023. During the 2023 Games Review Workshop held on March 2nd 2024, the PNGOC advised National Federations that K4 million out of the K8.24 million support package announced by the PNG Government for the Pacific Games had been received to date.
In addition, the National Gaming Control Board also committed K1 million towards Team PNG, whilst a direct payment to Air Niugini of K1.965m for the team charter flights was made.
This leaves a balance of approximately K3.24m yet to be paid to PNGOC.
Sir John recounted that on 19 February, PNGOC submitted to the PNG Sports Foundation a detailed acquittal on the funds received.
“We acknowledge our responsibility to ensure that these public funds are properly accounted for.” he said.
PNGOC advised that National Federations that it is actively pursuing the remaining K3.24 million.
Sir John stated that preparing the national team for the Games is crucially important and due to the delays in the release of funding committed by Government, PNGOC dipped into its reserves in order to support the national athletes in their preparations.
“The fact remains that these funds were committed to Team PNG and should be forwarded to us in order to replenish our reserves and enable PNGOC and our Member Federations to prepare for the Pacific Mini Games next year in Palau,” he said.
“We do not wish to be in the same position next year chasing funding right up to the departure of the team and therefore call on the PNG Sports Foundation to immediately forward the balance of K3.24 million.” He added.
