United Nationals Resident Coordinator Roy Trivedy congratulated five Team PNG athletes on their appointment as Sustainable Development Goals Champions.
The five athlete champions, Ryan Pini, Lua Rikis, Tania Mahuru, Christopher Amini and Milton Kisapai will work closely with the United Nations representative in delivering their chosen goals into the communities using sports as part of their awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Each athlete champions from the 17 Sustainable Development Goals has chosen one goal each to work with and improve its status in the community.
Trivedy said it was a pleasure for UN to partner with International Olympic Committee and the Team PNG athletes.
PNG’s number one swimmer, Ryan Pini chose life and wellbeing and said it is something PNG needs as a developing country. While other SDG champions shared their love and passion for their chosen goals, Lua Rikis chose water and sanitation, saying it is one of the biggest challenges that PNG, as a developing nation is facing.
While UN reps have emphasised on community development and sustainable living for a better PNG, PNGOC Secretary General Auvita Rapilla said all five athletes will be supported on their goals as they head out into schools, organisations and communities to carry awareness on their chosen SDGs.
Trivedy said that while all the 17 goals are a challenge in the country, working together in one way or another will not only help now but also, into the future.
He said while using PNG’s top athletes to carry the message, sports has proven to be a great tool that people are using today to pass on information, not just through word of mouth but using sporting individuals that are recognised in their communities to make the change.
Schools, communities and organisations are encouraged to engage these five champions to battle areas that Papua New Guineas are facing in their day to day lives.
https://youtu.be/c3Sd0Tl7YMU
