23 community sport groups and individuals across Papua New Guinea have received funding under the inaugural Pilai Long Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund launched by the Australian High Commission.
The recipients, representing 13 provinces and a range of sporting activities, were selected from more than 100 applications submitted by registered and unregistered sports organizations, community groups and individuals nationwide.
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The funding aims to support community development and youth empowerment through sport, with projects focusing on gender equality, disability inclusion, peacebuilding and youth leadership.
Speaking during the announcement reception at the Australian High Commission, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ewen McDonald, said the initiative reflected Australia’s commitment to supporting community leadership and social development through sport.
“The Pilai Long Stap Wantaim Fund reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting community leadership and positive social change through sport in Papua New Guinea.”
“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, and Australia is proud to invest in sport in Papua New Guinea at all levels and further strengthen the Aus-PNG Partnership,” Mr. McDonald said in a statement.
Manager for Sports, Youth and Civic Engagement at the National Capital District Commission, Christopher Topa, who also served on the independent selection advisory panel, congratulated the recipients and acknowledged the quality of applications received.
“I congratulate the recipients of the first-ever Pilai Long Stap Wantaim Fund and commend all applicants on their submissions.”
“It was inspiring to learn about the work Papua New Guineans are doing for their communities through sport across the country, and I thank the Australian Government for supporting these activities,” Mr. Topa said.
Representing the 23 recipients, Sophia Soli from the Center for Future Nau expressed appreciation for the support.
“We sincerely thank the Australian Government for the Pilai Long Stap Wantaim initiative.”
“For the Center For Future Nau, working in a low-resource and security-sensitive location, we want to use table tennis to create an inclusive and safe space for women, girls and out-of-school youth to open dialogue on gender-based violence,” she said.
The Pilai Long Stap Wantaim initiative adds to existing sports partnerships between Papua New Guinea and Australia, including Team Up, PacificAus Sports, Play for Equity, the PNG Chiefs and the upcoming Pacific Rugby League Partnership.