MEDIA RELEASE
28 May 2007
For immediate release
SPORTS GROUPS INVITED TO APPLY FOR FUNDING
The Australian Government is inviting organizations in Papua New Guinea to seek funding for sports projects through its Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP).
Grants of between $2,000 and $20,000 (around K4,000 to K40,000) are available for projects which promote wider participation in sport and physical activity and address broader issues such as health promotion, leadership development and social cohesion.
Applications may be made by government and non-government organisations and all bids must reach the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby by Friday 15 June.
The Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, said: “Australia is committed to helping the development of sport in PNG as part of our close relationship with PNG.
“We are now inviting organisations in PNG to apply for funding for small to medium size community sport development projects as part of our ASOP grants scheme.
“ASOP has a strong focus on developmental, rather than elite, sport programs. It also seeks to encourage wider participation in sport, especially young children, people with a disability, women and girls and people in remote or rural communities.”
ASOP was announced by the Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, in November 2005. It replaced the successful Australia-South Pacific Sports Program (ASP2006), which – during its lifetime - provided around K165,000 to sporting bodies in PNG.
The young female weightlifter, Dika Toua, who won a Silver Medal at the Commonwealth Games last year, is one beneficiary of the ASP2006 scheme.
For an application form or further information groups should contact Raymond Palangat at the Australian High Commission on telephone 325 9333 ext 454 or email [email protected]
The following will not be considered for funding: equipment not directly related to playing sport; travel or competition fees for teams; everyday office administration costs and wages; and facilities not directly related to playing sport.
Media Inquiries: Raymond Palangat, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 454