Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

MR 071217 Pikinini

MEDIA RELEASE

17 December 2007

For immediate release

Australian Government backs Pikinini Sport

 

The Australian Government has given its support to a PNG Sports Foundation program designed to get more children involved in physical activity.

Australia provided funding under the Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP) to help the PNG Sports Foundation run workshops as part of its Pikinini Sport Program.

The workshops which were conducted in Ramu and Popondetta helped local teachers and community sports volunteers learn more about running physical activity programs for children in order to boost their physical and mental well-being.

Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, said ASOP had a strong focus on grassroots rather than elite sport programs.

“ASOP supports sport programs which are inclusive and effect lasting change in the community. It has a particular focus on projects which benefit children,” he said.

“As a close partner and friend of PNG, Australia was happy to support the Pikinini Sport Program because we know that it promotes healthy lifestyles from an early age and helps communities work together to deliver their own sporting activities.”

PNG Sports Foundation representative Peter Chalapan said: “We wish to sincerely thank the Australian Government for funding these two workshops through its ASOP scheme. The funding made a big difference because we have limited resources.

“The workshops provided school teachers and community sports leaders with greater confidence and understanding and I know that the participants were grateful for the opportunity to learn more about how to provide sport programs for children.”

Both workshops were delivered by officers from the PNG Sports Foundation. The Ramu workshop was conducted last month and the Popondetta one was held in May.

During both training sessions, participants learned how to modify sports to make them suitable for children, various exercise techniques and aspects of sports administration.

 

Media Inquiries: Raymond Palangat, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 454