Team Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) campaign to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has been boosted with a funding of K270,000 from ExxonMobil PNG Limited, the operator of the PNG LNG Project at the ExxonMobil Haus, in Port Moresby today (30 May 2024).
The contribution was presented to the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), the body responsible for Team PNG’s preparation to the XXXIII Edition (33rd) Summer Olympics to be hosted in Paris, France from the 26 July to 11 August this year.
ExxonMobil PNG is delighted to continue its partnership with the PNGOC through this funding which will see PNG represented at this foremost sporting event in the world.
ExxonMobil PNG Chairperson and Managing Director Tera Shandro said ExxonMobil PNG recognises that sport is an enabler for human development and nation building in PNG.
“You are all role models and ambassadors for your country, inspiring young Papua New Guineans to push their limits and strive for excellence, and you have the potential to influence and inspire positive change in society, especially among the younger generation and to promote the positive values associated with sport.
“The Olympic Games are a celebration of human potential, a showcase of the incredible feats that can be achieved through hard work and determination, and we are incredibly proud to see you achieve your sporting goals and dreams at the highest level of competition - the Olympic Games.
“It’s truly a wonderful achievement and we are so pleased to do our small part to contribute to your success,” Shandro added.
As of June 30, 2024, the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers will come to a close, marking an important milestone for Team PNG.
Following this date, Team PNG will receive and confirm the final list of qualified athletes and officials, which will be announced to the public. Led by Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, Ryan Pini, OLY, MBE. Team PNG is gearing up for their 11th summer Olympic Games participation where they are aiming to compete in six exciting sports: Athletics, Boxing, Swimming, Taekwondo, Weightlifting and Rugby Union 7s.
“We are extremely grateful to ExxonMobil PNG for their generous contribution towards the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Partner support for Team PNG will significantly enhance our athletes' preparations, enabling them to better train and compete at the highest level. With ExxonMobil PNG's backing, we are confident that our team will be well-equipped to achieve excellence and bring pride to our nation on the world stage,” stated Mr. Pini.
Secretary General of the PNGOC Desmond Kaviagu thanked ExxonMobil PNG for its ongoing support to Papua New Guinea’s elite athletes through the PNGOC.
“We are immensely grateful to ExxonMobil PNG for their ongoing support, which has been crucial in our athletes' journey to the prestigious Paris 2024 Olympics. Their commitment to promoting sports as a catalyst for positive change aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to achieving great success together.”
Since beginning its support for PNGOC in 2012, ExxonMobil PNG has assisted through various contributions and sponsorships a total of K1.7 million.
The most notable collaborations between the two to date has been the Olympic Values Education Program (OVEP) which is aimed at promoting the role of sport in society as well as the Olympic values of Respect, Friendship and Excellence, as well as The Team PNG HERO program and the Love Your Coast initiative.