Media release
3 April 2008
For immediate release
Australian government supports surfing club
Taurama Surf Club in Port Moresby was given a major boost today when it received a number of brand new surfboards from the Australian Government.
The equipment was provided under the Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP) – a scheme which offers grants to grassroots sports organisations in the Pacific.
The surfboards were presented to the club during a handover ceremony at Taurama Beach this morning involving Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis; club members and local villagers.
Mr Moraitis said: “We assisted Taurama Surf Club because it encourages young people to engage in sports and stay away from drugs and anti-social behaviour. The club also uses surfing to teach its members about the importance of conservation and looking after our oceans and marine environment.
“These are all objectives which the Australian Government is proud to support.”
Mr Moraitis added: “A shared passion for surfing is also something that Australia and PNG have in common. It is yet another strong link between our two countries.”
Patron of the club, Peter Aitsi, expressed his thanks to the Australian Government for providing the surfboards to replace the club’s old boards which are beyond repair.
Mr Aitsi said: “These surfboards will help our members develop their surfing skills and compete in inter-club competitions and the annual National Surfing Titles.”
Taurama Surf Club has over 40 members, mostly young people from Taurama Village and the neighbouring Pari Village. A number of female surfers are members.
Mr Aitsi thanked Surfing Association Papua New Guinea (SAPNG) President, Andrew Abel, for his help in securing a good price for the surfboards.
Taurama Surf Club received $3,820.00 from ASOP which it used to purchase seven new surfboards and other items including leg ropes and surf wax.
Media Inquiries: Oliver Nombri, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 454