2007 PNGSFOC Annual Report

Introduction The year of the South always proves to be hectic and challenging, and 2007 was no different with emphasis on the preparation and participation of Team PNG in the Games.

Not only was the focus on the SP Games, 2007 was also exciting and eventful with a whole range of activities conducted throughout the year.

A highlight of the year was the successful Regional Workshop on HIV & AIDS Prevention through Sport. This resulted in the establishment of an effective Committee to lead PNG’s efforts in the fight against the epidemic. The Committee successfully launched the PNG National Declaration on HIV Prevention through Sport; and conducted a workshop to finalize the HIV&AIDS SportsPlace Policy.

This report summarizes activities undertaken in 2007.

1. Samoa South Pacific Games Preparations

1.1 Justification Committee (JC) Requirements To ensure the best teams are selected and adequately prepared for the Games, sports were required to meet certain requirements of the Justification Committee. These included: Justifying individuals (athletes and officials) within the teams based on selection criteria of respective sports; producing minutes of meeting appointing coaches and team managers duly appointed by a full Executive; and meeting levy deadlines and requirements based on the two tier qualification criteria – Administrative & Performance.

Sports that failed to meet requirements of the JC were subsequently dropped and given 14 days to appeal to the Sports Dispute Tribunal (six member panel) headed by former national judge Maurice Sheehan. The tribunal met on several occasions to deliberate on appeals from sports affected.

1.2 MRDC Preparation Grant

Following the medal success of Team PNG at 2006 Commonwealth Games, the Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare committed a grant of K5million through Mineral Resources Development Company towards preparations for the Samoa SP Games and Olympic Games.

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SP Games Sports were given the opportunity to apply for grants for lead up competitions; international and national camps; and equipment targeting preparations of their teams for the SP Games.

A three tier funding level was applied to the 3 levels of sports with priority given to level 1 sports with gold medal potential.

A total of K2.5 million was allocated to sports between December 2006 and June 2007.

1.3 Games Workshop

The Games workshop held on 26th April at the Port Moresby International School was well attended with attendance of just over 200 athletes and officials based in Port Moresby selected to the SP Games.

The aim of the workshop was to disseminate important information on the Games after the Chef de Missions seminar in Samoa. Participants were also given the opportunity to raise any questions of uncertainty

relating to the Games.

The General Team Management was announced and introduced; and samples of the team PNG uniforms were also displayed.

A presentation and quiz on HIV & AIDS was done by Andrew Lepani, member of Athletes Commission; and Dr Ann Clark presented on Nutrition and Mental Preparation for Competition.

Dr Bernie Amof gave his presentation on World Anti-Doping Agency and ORADO.

The workshop closed with a competition on the best war cry for Team PNG.

1.4 Team Bonding Workshop The Team Bonding Workshop was held on 18th August at the Port Moresby International School.

A total of 251 participants representing athletes, coaches and managers attended the workshop.

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The highlight of the workshop was the Public Relations and Media session facilitated by Sports Scene Presenter, Stephen Dawanincura of EMTV. Participants were given the opportunity to witness practical interviews and provided with corrective tips on what to say and what to avoid in media interviews. The first of its kind, the athletes in particular found the session very useful to prepare themselves for interviews at the Games.

2. Oceania Workshop on HIV & AIDS Prevention through Sport

As part of its policy to rally the Olympic Movement behind the international effort to combat the spread of the HIV & AIDS pandemic, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) endorsed the PNG Sports Federation & Olympic Committee to host the ‘Oceania Workshop on HIV & AIDS Prevention through Sport ’ for the National Olympic Committees of the Oceania Region.

The workshop was held in Port Moresby from 19th to 21st April 2007. The theme was: “Be a Leader: Promote Sport – Prevent HIV”. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) funded one participant per NOC from the Oceania Region covering airfares; accommodation; and meals. The IOC also covered the conference package for 50 participants included morning & afternoon tea and lunch; as well as the venue hire.

The PNG Sports Federation & Olympic Committee secured a grant of K35,250 from the National Aids Council Secretariat (NACS) - Grants Committee to cover internal costs including: conference bags; transport hire; course materials and stationery; and farewell reception. The welcome reception was hosted by the Governor of National Capital District.

All 16 NOCs of the Oceania region were invited to nominate a delegate to attend the workshop. Only 10 NOCs were represented at the workshop: ; Federated States of Micronesia; ; ; ; ; Samoa; ; ; and .

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NOCs not represented were: ; ; ; ; ; and .

Experts from partner organizations and HIV/AIDS related organizations both internationally and nationally were invited to participate in the workshop. These included:

International: International Olympic Committee; Oceania National Olympic Committees; UNAIDS & AFLP; International Federation Red Cross; Secretariat for the Pacific Community; AusAID and Oceania Football Confederation.

National: PNG stakeholders included: the National Aids Council Secretariat; PNG Sports Foundation; PNG Games Council; PNG Red Cross; Anglicare Stop Aids; Igat Hope; Friends Foundation; Business Coalition Against HIV& AIDS; Private and Civil Society Organization Against HIV & AIDS (PACSO); NCD Provincial Aids Committee; International Education Agency; Tingim Laip; PNG Athletes Commission; National Sports Federations; and Ministers Fraternal. A total of 52 participants attended the workshop over the three days.

Hon. Peter Barter, Minister for Health delivered the Keynote Address at the opening of the workshop.

The format of the workshop was primarily presentations by key speakers on various topics allowing for open discussions after each presentation. The third day saw all participants break into four groups to draw up recommendations and actions for delegates to take in their own countries.

The high level of input from all the delegates was very encouraging and strengthened the links between the national and regional stakeholders in motivating them to do more through sport to help achieve development objectives, including prevention of HIV and AIDS.

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The last day saw a presentation of the workshop resolutions and outcomes as the way forward in using sport as a prevention of HIV & AIDS. Dame Carol Kidu, Minister for Community Development delivered the closing address at the Closing ceremony.

After the closing, participants were invited to a field visit to the Tingim Laip site at Joyce Bay in the Moresby South Electorate. Tingim Laip through its Regional coordinators work closely with the site committee made up of youths to deliver the HIV awareness program in the community through its Youth Interventions.

At the end of the workshop every delegate was given a CD disk containing useful reference materials, a copy of every PowerPoint presentation made, a written summary of each workshop session, and a consolidated summary of conclusions. These conclusions were moulded into a “draft Declaration”, intended as a template to be adopted at national level in each participating country as soon as possible.

In brief, delegates representing regional organizations are committing to use and strengthen their networks to support and coordinate assistance of activities at national level; and delegates representing National Olympic Committees around the region are committing to turn words into action and to:- 1. Build partnerships - between sports organisations and HIV/AIDS organisations; 2. Establish Policies - an HIV/AIDS Policy for sports organisations and sports codes 3. Adapt the IOC HIV/AIDS Toolkit to produce an effective resource tool for the sports community applicable in the local context 4. Initiate activities in sport and using sport to promote awareness, facilitate peer-group education, and to promote gender equality 5. Work to develop sporting role models for use in activities 6. Work closely with PLWH on activities with them and for them 7. Work to change attitudes and behaviour

Following the Workshop, the PNG Sports Federation & Olympic Committee has taken the lead in forming “The PNGSFOC HIV & AIDS Committee” consisting of representatives of

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PNGSFOC, PNG Sports Foundation, NACS, Igat Hope, AusAID, PACSO and UNAIDS. The first task of the Committee was to create a National Declaration for PNG to secure key organizations to sign the Declaration as partners to implement recommendations of the workshop.

PNGSFOC wish to acknowledge the following for their support and guidance in hosting this important regional event: Katia Mascagni (IOC); Steve Vete (UNAIDS APLF); Dr Robin Mitchell (ONOC); Romanus Pakure (NACS); Anne Malcolm & Mark Clark (AusAID); Tim Rwabuhemba (UNAIDS PNG) and Florence Bundu.

3. SP Sports Awards 2007

The SP Sports Awards 2007 was launched on 30th January. The Organizing Committee received a total of 112 nominations before the closing on 31st March. Selections were done between 24th April and 11th May, followed by the announcement of finalists on 17th May.

New category introduced this year was the National Performance Award designed to recognize and reward an athlete, coach, technical official, administrator or team for performance on the domestic scene, and who have not participated at the international level.

The winners were announced at the Presentation on 26th May at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ballroom.

Special guest speaker for the evening was Paul Hockey, who created history by being the first person with a disability to conquer the world’s highest mountain Mt Everest and very appropriately fitted the theme of ‘Aiming Higher’.

The winners for the SP Sports Awards 2007 were: K4500 (each) Sportsman of the Year Ryan Pini () Sportswoman of the Year Dika Toua (Weightlifting) Team of the Year PNG Women’s Team Sir John Dawanincura Sports Mae Koime (Athletics) Ambassador Award National Performance of the Year Geua John (Billiard & Snooker)

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K3000 (each) Junior Male Athlete of the Year Djorne Fong (Billiard & Snooker) Junior Female Athlete of the Year Rita Kari (Weightlifting) Junior Team of the Year PNG U/20 Girls Team Distinguished Services to Sport William Maha (Cricket) Sports Person with a Disability Francis Kompaon (Athletics)

K2000 (each) Sports Administrator of the Year Alphonse Pu (Rugby League) Coach of the Year Seura Loa (Cricket) Technical Official of the Year Frank Robby (Weightlifting) Sports Reporter of the Year Numa Alu (Team PNG)

We acknowledge SP Brewery for their continued support as the major sponsor since 1993 and increasing total prize monies this year to K45,500 an increase of K11,000. We also acknowledge support sponsors EMTV; Post Courier; NauFM & YumiFM; Air Niugini and Crowne Plaza for their on-going support since 2002.

4. Trukai Fun Run & Auction The Trukai Fun Run Auction held on 15th March raised a record amount of K375,250 within three hours at the Royal Papua Yacht Club.

This was followed by the biggest Trukai Fun Run recorded in the events history with participation of approximately 28,000 people starting and finishing at the Sir John Guise Stadium on Sunday 3rd June. The event coincided with the Olympic Day Run.

The other ten (10) centres recorded total participation of 11,750 boasting an overall record total of 39,750 participants.

The ten centres included: Alotau, Goroka, Mt Hagen, Kimbe, Kavieng, Lae, Madang, Rabaul, Kokopo, and Lihir.

Trukai Industries as the official sponsor of the event sponsored a total of 70,000 T’shirts and 300 Marshall T’shirts. The sponsor also provided promotional water bottles at the start of the run for all participants.

Publicity and advertising of the event was part of the sponsorship which included:

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• A3 size posters • 30 second Television Advertisement • 2 page newspaper advertisement on the route of the run for all 11 centres including Port Moresby. • Awareness through media interviews on TV and radio.

There was excellent nation-wide media coverage prior to, on the day itself and after.

The event continues to grow throughout the country, with an increase in participation particularly in Port Moresby. It has become a major event that everyone looks forward to each year.

5. Prime Minister’s Corporate Challenge The Prime Minister’s Corporate Golf Challenge was held in Port Moresby and Lae on 23rd February and 23rd November respectively.

The Port Moresby event saw a total of 43 teams enter the Challenge at a fee of K2500 each and raising a total of K71,852 towards Team PNG’s participation to the SP Games.

The event in Lae secured 22 teams and raised K19,600 to support Team PNG to Beijing.

6. Women in Sport The Women in Sport Committee this year focused on the Coaches Mentoring Program as a key strategy to promote female participation in Coaching. The Program was aimed at encouraging young and upcoming female coaches to pursue coaching with guidance from senior or national coaches from their respective sports.

The program funded by the Australian Sport Outreach Program was designed with the assistance of Dr Ann Clarke who was also the main facilitator. The first workshop was held in October 2006 introducing the program and defining the

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concept of mentoring particularly in sports by Auvita Rapilla. Dr Clarke did a presentation on Goal Setting assisting the participants to identify their goals in coaching and how to work towards achieving them.

The second workshop was held on March 24th 2007 which covered the topics on: “How to design a Training Program” presented by Ivan Ravu; and “Coaches Code of Conduct” presented by Florence Bundu.

The idea of the program was to match mentors (experienced coaches) and mentees (new coaches) to work together providing support, encouragement and advice based on their knowledge and experience.

The final workshop was held on 27th October at the Culinary Delight Restaurant. This workshop included coaches from the recent South Pacific Games, to exchange and share their experiences from the Games with up and coming coaches under the mentoring program.

A total of 28 participants attended the workshop.

Presentations were made by: • Dr Ann Clarke – Coaching & Planning • Elizabeth Wells – Coaching Experience from Individual Sport Perspective (Swimming) • Joe Lumaris – Coaching Experience from Team Sport Perspective ()

Participants broke into four discussion groups to address issues affecting coaches prior to; during and post games.

A lot of recommendations came out of this workshop with emphasis on improvement of coaching education and development. There was also a call for the establishment of a Coaches Association or revival of the PNG Coaches Council and Accreditation Scheme.

Overall the participants found the workshops most useful and informative enabling coaches to network and share ideas and experiences particularly from very experienced coaches including Veitu Diro; Elizabeth Wells; Naomi Polum; Annie Iamo; Iammo Launa; Florence Bundu; Ivan Ravu and Joe Lumaris.

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6. Olympic Solidarity

6.1 Sports Medicine Course

The Sports Medicine course funded by the International Olympic Committee under the Olympic Solidarity Program was held at the Gateway Hotel from 22nd to 24th June 2007. The course which targeted coaches and trainers was aimed at providing basic principles of Sports Medicine and First Aid to manage sports injuries.

A total of 29 participants attended the 3 day course.

The course was facilitated by Sports Doctors Dr Bernie Amof; Dr Gideon Kendino and Physiotherapist Michael Wilson.

6.2 National Activities Grant The PNGSFOC utilised its annual allocation of US$45,000 (K150,000) towards participation cost for Olympic sports to the Samoa SP Games.

The grant subsidized participation cost for 255 athletes and officials from the 14 Olympic sports that attended the games.

6.3 Equipment Grant The following sports were allocated equipment grant for 2007: Athletics (US$1000); Basketball (US$500 ); (US$500); Hockey (US$500); (US$500); Softball (US$500); Swimming (US$500); (US$500); and (US$500).

6.4 Team Support Grant A grant of US$14,850 was secured from IOC to support our Women’s Hockey Team to participate in the Oceania Olympic Qualifier in Brisbane from 2nd to 17th September.

This was the first time for PNG Hockey Team to participate at such a high level competition and the experience was truly valuable to see further improvement of the sport in PNG to be competitive at this level.

6.5 Marketing & Sponsorship Workshop A Marketing and Sponsorship Workshop for National Federations and PNGSFOC sponsors was held on July 28th at the Gateway Hotel.

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The main objective of the workshop was to ensure that PNG Sports Federation & Olympic Committee Executive Board consults National Federations as part of our obligations to our family of Corporate Sponsors, in order to avoid conflict of interest as well as address the issue of 'Ambush Marketing".

The program included discussions on “Conflict of interest” outlining responsibilities of PNGSFOC; National Federations and Athletes.

Sir John also went through the Athletes Agreement with specific reference to “Use of Athletes Images”.

6.6 2012 Training Grant A grant of AUD$6920 from ONOC under the 2012 Training Program was made to PNG Athletics Union to subside cost of their Junior Athletics training Camp in Brisbane.

7 Samoa South Pacific Games 7.1 Team PNG Preparation SP Games Sports were given the opportunity to apply for grants for lead up competitions; international and national camps; high performance training; and equipment targeting preparations of their teams for the SP Games.

A three tier funding level was applied to the 3 levels of sports with priority given to level 1 sports with gold medal potential.

A total of K2.2 million was allocated to 24 sports between December 2006 and April 2007.

7.2 Team PNG Performance The total contingent of 364 represented Papua New Guinea at the in Samoa, participating in 23 sports: ; Athletics; Basketball; ; Boxing; (men); Cricket; Golf; Hockey (w); ; Outrigger Canoeing; ; ; ; Soccer (w); ; Softball; ; Swimming; ; Touch; Volleyball (Beach & Indoor); and Weightlifting.

PNG finished 5th overall behind ; Tahiti; Samoa; and Fiji winning a total of 38 Gold; 24 Silver; 32 Bronze.

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8 AusAID Democratic Governance Grant

Through the AusAID Democratic Governance Program K48,890 was secured to achieve the following priorities on HIV Prevention Through Sport:

8.1 Team PNG T’Shirts & Caps with HIV & AIDS Message (K21,950)

K21,950 was allocated to meet the cost of Team PNG Caps and T’shirts carrying the HIV/AIDS message “HIV Prevention Through Sport: Be a leader; Promote Sport; Prevent HIV”.

8.2 Launch of National Declaration on HIV& AIDS Prevention Through Sport (K18,943.14) The PNG National Declaration on HIV Prevention through Sport was launched by Dame Carol Kidu on 12th September 2007 at the Crowne Plaza.

The National Declaration constitutes the major outcomes of the regional workshop and provides the basis for the role of sport in the response to HIV & AIDS through the seven (7) commitments outlined in the Declaration.

It aims to strengthen partnerships to ensure implementation of consolidated action in the response to HIV & AIDS in Papua New Guinea. Fifteen (15) key stakeholders signed to the Declaration, and they include:

1. Department of Health 2. Department of Community Development 3. National Aids Council Secretariat 4. AusAID 5. PNG Sports Foundation 6. UNAIDS 7. PNG Red Cross Society 8. PNG Alliance of Civil Society Organizations against HIV/AIDS 9. Business Coalition Against HIV & AIDS 10. IGAT HOPE

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11. Clinton Foundation 12. PNG National Sports Trust 13. PNG Games Council 14. PNG Sports Anti-Doping Organization 15. PNG Athletes Commission

8.3 HIV/AIDS SportsPlace Policy Workshop (K8,000.00) A one day workshop to develop an “HIV/AIDS SportsPlace Policy” for sports organizations was held at the Gateway Hotel on 20th October 2007.

A total of 14 sports attended the workshop, as well as staff and management of PNG Sports Foundation, the PNGSFOC; and representatives from AusAID, NACS, and BAHA.

The HIV/AIDS SportsPlace Policy was developed by the Committee from the official NACS Workplace Policy, to address workplace situations in sport, but also training, competition and other sport specific situations including team selection, teams travel, and sports injuries and safety. The aim of the workshop was to consult with national sports organizations before finalising the policy.

9 PNG Athletes Commission 9.1 Election of New Members The new members of the Athletes Commission were elected at the South Pacific Games in Samoa and will serve a term of four years from 2007 to 2011.

The members are: Mr Andrew Lepani (Soccer) – Chairperson Ms Mona Lisa Leka (Netball) – Deputy Chairperson Ms Julie Alau (Soccer) Mr Willie Rikis (Rugby Union) Mr Lawrence Lahari (Basketball) Ms Naluge Guy (Squash) Ms Martha Awadu (Volleyball) Mr Jeffery Robby (Weightlifting) Mr Jonathan Kassman (Outrigger Canoeing) Ms Rita Kari (Weightlifting) Both Chairperson and Deputy sit on the Executive Board of PNGSFOC.

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9.2 Athletes Forum The 2007 Athletes Forum was held at the Culinary Delight Vulupindi Haus Waigani on Saturday 1st December 2007.

The forum was aimed at bringing together elite athletes to discuss issues of concern affecting their performance and welfare: prior to, during and post competition and to make recommendations for future improvement.

A total of 30 participants from 11 sports attended the forum. Sir Henry ToRobert officially welcomed all athletes and the Guest Speaker for the Forum was Mrs Iammo Launa, former athlete and member of the National Sports Trust.

Since the Forum fell on the World Aids Day, Peter Momo “Ambassador of Hope” was invited to address the athletes with the general message being “each individual is answerable for their own actions and that each and everyone of the athletes need to be careful in their decision making as it will affect their performance and their dreams of becoming top athletes”.

As representatives of athletes on the PNGSFOC Executive Board, both Andrew Lepani and Mona Lisa Leka tabled the recommendations at the last meeting of the Executive Board for 2007 on 17th December.

10 Hilary Langford Workshops Three workshops aimed at improving operations of the PNGSFOC and its affiliates and Corporate Sponsors were conducted by leading Australian organizational consultant Hilary Langford, specialized in people aspects of organizations.

10.1 PNGSFOC Secretariat: Review, Role Clarification & Action Planning November 7 & 8, 2007 A two day workshop on 7th and 8th November was held with Secretariat staff going through the clarification of roles, particularly the roles of the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General.

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The nature of the focus of each role changed with Secretary General focusing on major strategic matters for the PNGSFOC (out and up), and the Deputy focused on organising and management of the staff and their roles in day to day affairs of the PNGSFOC (in and down).

10.2 Sponsors’ Workshop: Dealing With Difficult People November 9, 2007 The Sponsors’ Workshop was very well attended and included some of the key personnel with whom we are building enduring partnerships. National Federation coaches were also invited.

Hilary Langford managed this day with wonderful professionalism and engaged a wide range of attendees in very worthwhile practical exercises. Outcomes for this included: - An opportunity to thank Sponsors for their assistance in the past, by providing high quality leadership training. In this way we were providing a service to them … something they usually provide to us! - Increased relationships-building with Sponsors, - Increased positive image, as it demonstrates PNGSFOC can provide professionalism in everything we do, - Provision of training & leadership benefits for National Federations’ coaches.

10.3 National Federation: Planning, Sponsorship & Fundraising Workshop November 10, 2007 Approximately 20 delegates from 10 National Federations attended this workshop on planning and sponsorship. The presentation was in a workshop format. Delegates were able to apply various planning and proposal writing techniques, and commence specific work for their own sporting body.

At the end of the workshop a panel was set up of Sir John, David Keating, Hilary Langford and Auvita Rapilla to answer any other questions delegates had about working in their own Sports’ Federation.

11 PNG Games The PNG Games was held in Lae from 16th to 24th November 2007. Approximately 4000 athletes and officials were registered in 16 sports: Athletics; Basketball; Bodybuilding; Bowling; Boxing; Darts; Golf; Hockey;

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Netball, Powerlifting; Rugby 7’s; Rugby 9’s; Soccer; Touch; Volleyball, and Weightlifting.

Morobe finished on top with a total of 108 medals (43 gold; 34 silver; 31 bronze); followed by Eastern Highlands with 76 medals and NCD with 50.

A grant of US$15,000 was secured from ONOC under the Olympic Solidarity – Regional Games Program to assist with the Games. Through this funding PNGSFOC was able to send Annie Iamo and Dolorose Aisi to assist in the Accreditation and Results Centre; as well as setting up and managing draws on the Sportware program.

The balance of funds went towards accommodation costs for technical officials.

12 Aitape Tsunami Funds As a result of the Aitape Tsunami disaster, International Olympic Committee (IOC) generously donated US$15,000.00 equivalent to K34,497.00 in 2003 for the purchase of sports equipment.

John D’Siguria on behalf of PNGSFOC visited the schools in early November over 4 days with an official from Caritas and presented the sports equipments to 16 schools and community sports associations around the Aitape disaster area. The schools and community leaders warmly accepted the donation from IOC through PNGSFOC.

These funds were only utilized this year after confirming arrangements with Caritas PNG, as previous attempts to go through the Provincial Government weren’t successful.

The main objectives of the donation were; • To support and assist schools and communities with their sporting activities. • As part of the rehabilitation program for people to rebuild their lives • Good gesture of assistance from the international community to the T’sunami affected area in Sissano lagoon, Aitape area.

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• Part of International Community Appeal effort to assist the T’Sunami affected communities which forms part of the public relations work for IOC through PNGSFOC.

13 SP Sports Awards 2008

The SP Sports Awards 2008 was launched on 29th November at the SP Brewkettle. SP Marketing Manager, Tzao Shen Tan officially launched the awards in the absence of General Manager Stan Joyce. The new ‘Life Time Achievement’ award was announced, recognizing an athlete or official who wins the same category four consecutive years automatically qualifies for this award.

Closing date for nominations is 1st February 2008, with the announcement of finalists on 2nd April and the Presentation Night on 26th April.

Conclusion

2007 was certainly demanding for the Secretariat to ensure all activities planned for the year were achieved with effective governance and guidance from a pro-active Executive Board. Our staff responded well during extremely busy times of the year with the support of respective sub-committees made up of our ever helpful and cooperative volunteers.

These included: Justification Committee & Sports Dispute Tribunal; SP Sports Awards Organizing Committee & Selection Panel; Oceania HIV & AIDS Workshop Organizing Committee; Trukai Fun Run Organizing Committee and Fundraising Committee; Athletes Commission and Women in Sport Committee.

We are extremely grateful for their on-going support in providing invaluable assistance to the Secretariat.

We are also grateful for the support of MRDC in enabling our teams to participate in quality lead up competitions and camps in preparation for the Games and the results achieved were the best ever performance of Team PNG abroad.

This goes without saying that participation of Team PNG in Samoa would not have been made possible without the contribution of the Government; International Olympic Committee; Oceania National Olympic Committee and our family of Corporate Sponsors.

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It is the effective partnership that benefits all sportsmen and women and ensures Team PNG participation at international games.

We look forward to a renewed partnership and success in 2008.

End.

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