Back to back Pacific Games’ Gold Medalists, the PNG Touch football teams, are calling for support to send its contingent to the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands this month.
The Pacific Games starts on 19 November , and ends with the closing ceremony on Saturday 02 December.
PNG will be defending their gold medals in the open men, women and the mix divisions; something that the country should be proud of.
However, with time running out, the team is in desperate need to come up with K111,000.
PNG Touch Federation representative Vavine Yore revealed to this paper that this money will go towards players’ levy and uniforms for the games.
However, with little or no support from major corporate sponsors and government alike; the journey for most of these players who aspire to represent their country once more is in jeopardy.
The team is expected to leave on the 25th of this month and with time running out, the PNG Touch Football Federation has yet to secure the required funding to help with the players’ levy fees and uniforms.
Touch PNG are also excited to announce that they have made the top 10 world ranking across all three divisions and have consistently demonstrated their commitment to excellence.
PNGTF president Kevin Luana said: “We are excited to have made the top 10 in the world ranking across all three divisions and have consistently demonstrated our commitment to excellence.
“To raise the necessary funds to cover our participation expenses, we are hosting a fundraising dinner and we invite any organisation, as well as corporate business houses, to become part of this event,” Luana said in his letter sent to various organisations seeking assistance.
“The funds we aim to raise will be allocated towards covering levy fees and obtaining our playing uniforms for the 2023 PG in Solomon Islands from November 19 to December 2,” he said.
It is one of the best avenues as well for corporate business houses as touch football PNG additionally are offering that unique opportunity for your organisation to become platinum sponsors of Touch Football Team PNG.
Luana said: “This sponsorship offers the full naming rights, exclusive benefits and recognition of your brand.”
Luana told the Post-Courier that while they are in thin, exhausting the available resources of conducting day-to-day trainings, medical tests and keeping the camp positive, their only hope is keeping the faith in themselves for some answers.
The federation will send 14 athletes for each division in open men and women, and open mix, which is around 42, while officials will add the numbers to around 50.
Luana said their aim now is to raise funds so it can add to their existing budget.
“Yes, we will need assistance from corporate bodies wishing to assist our young athletes,” he said.
“Trust that we can get the support to relieve the Touch Football team athletes.”
Luana is adamant that despite the setback, their aim is to retain the title and are working towards making it for the third time in the Games. “Touch rugby is currently the Pacific Games champions, so our aim is to defend ‘Gold’ in all divisions,” he said.