The PGNOC held a celebration event for partners ©PNGOC

Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) have thanked sponsors for supporting the organisation in 2019 at a celebration event held in Port Moresby.

The lunch took place at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby, where the organisation reflected on achievements during the year.

A focus was given to the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games, where Papua New Guinea finished second on the medals table behind New Caledonia.

Papua New Guinea sent a team of 372 athletes to the Games, earning 130 medals in total - 38 gold, 57 silver and 35 bronze.

"The PNGOC relies heavily on the support of our sponsors and partners," Auvita Rapilla, PNGOC secretary general said, according to Loop PNG.

"Without your support, we could not have done it."

Papua New Guinea finished second on the medals table at the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games ©PNGOC
Papua New Guinea finished second on the medals table at the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games ©PNGOC

PNGOC presented each of their sponsors with a plaque to thank them for their support.

The organisation said partners helped them deliver key events during the year, including the Trukai Fun Run, SP Sports Awards and PNG Sports Hall of Fame event.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach was also welcomed to Papua New Guinea during the year.

Bach visited the country as part of a tour of Oceania nations.

The PNGOC has also launched an Athlete Friendly Company project, which encourages partners to offer employment opportunities to athletes.

The organisation called on partners to continue their support next year to help athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.