An Olympians Association is set to be established by the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) to honour and support those athletes who have represented the country at the Games.

The development was confirmed as part of the PNGOC’s celebrations to mark Olympic Day, the worldwide annual celebration of the Olympic Movement, held on June 23.

Seven Papua New Guinea athletes took part in the PNGOC activities, including an Olympic luncheon, where they were recognised for their contribution to sport in the Pacific nation.

“PNGOC is supporting the Olympians to establish an Olympian Association which will recognise, support and honour all those who have represented the country at the Olympic Games,” the PNGOC said.

Seven Olympians from Papua New Guinea took part in various Olympic Day celebrations
Seven Olympians from Papua New Guinea took part in various Olympic Day celebrations ©PNGOC

The PNGOC marked Olympic Day with a series of activities as a number of events took place at the Taurama Indoor and Aquatic Centre, a venue used for last year’s Pacific Games, in Port Moresby.

Demonstrations of various sports took place at schools across the Papua New Guinea capital, which gave the students the opportunity to try out various skills and technique under the guidance of athletes from the nation.

Students also learned about the Olympic Movement when they took part in a quiz, while elite athletes and Papua New Guinea Olympians gave talks and speeches.

To round off the week of festivities, a final event at the Vabukori village was held.

PNGOC President John Dawanincura thanked those who had participated in the Olympic Day events, as well as the organisation’s partners and stakeholders.