Iammo Launa appointed Chef de Mission for Team PNG at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Tuesday, 20 May 2025, 3:42 pm

Newly appointed Chef de Mission Iammo Launa. She will lead Team PNG to the Youth Olympic Games next year (Image: PNGOC)

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee [PNGOC] has announced the appointment of national sporting icon Iammo Gapi Launa as Chef de Mission for Team PNG to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.

Launa, a trailblazer in PNG sports history as the country’s first female Olympian, brings decades of experience in athletics, administration, and advocacy to the role.

Her appointment marks a significant moment as Team PNG prepares to participate in its first Youth Olympic Games on the African continent.

“We are honoured to have Mrs Launa lead our young athletes to Dakar,” PNGOC President Emma Waiwai said.

“She has been a pioneer and role model in Papua New Guinea’s sporting history, and her appointment reflects her enduring commitment to sports development at all levels.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, scheduled from October 31 to November 14, 2026, will feature 38 sports and host thousands of young athletes from around the world. It will serve as a crucial stepping stone for PNG’s rising stars, ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Launa, who represented PNG in athletics at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games, has remained deeply engaged in the Olympic Movement and national sports development.

Her leadership as Chef de Mission will ensure that Team PNG’s athletes and officials are well-prepared, supported, and inspired throughout their journey.

“It’s a privilege to once again serve Papua New Guinea in this capacity,” Launa said.

“I look forward to supporting and mentoring our youth as they take on this exciting challenge and represent our country with pride on the world stage.”

In her role, Launa will oversee the planning, preparation, and welfare of Team PNG’s delegation to Dakar, working closely with national federations, coaches, and officials.

The PNGOC will soon begin its formal athlete identification and selection pathway, aiming to build a competitive team through collaboration with sports federations and investment in youth development programs.

Team PNG’s participation in Dakar 2026 is part of PNGOC’s broader strategy to develop young athletes and strengthen PNG’s presence on the international sporting stage.