Project Yumi delivers merchandise to PNG in game-changing donation

In a powerful show of international community spirit, Project Yumi has facilitated the delivery of vital cricket merchandises to Cricket PNG, thanks to the generous contributions from Valley District Cricket Club [Brisbane] and Nightcliff Cricket Club [Darwi] in Australia.

The donation is a significant boost for grassroots cricket in Papua New Guinea, a country quickly establishing itself as one of the Pacific region’s most promising cricketing nations.

General Manager of Valley District Cricket Club, Dan Kelly, spoke highly of the importance of supporting emerging cricket nations.

“For a club like Valleys, giving back to the game is so important. To be able to help kit out those in up & coming cricketing nations like Papua New Guinea is so worthwhile,” he said.

Kelly also praised Project Yumi for making the cross-border initiative a reality.

“Without the help of Project Yumi this would not have been possible, we are so thankful to them for their help in making this a reality for us,” he said.

Project Yumi, a not-for-profit organization focused on connecting resources to communities across PNG, played a pivotal role in coordinating logistics and ensuring the sporting gears reached the right hands.

Arleena Kukari, president of Project Yumi, said the collaboration highlights how sport can serve as a powerful vehicle for positive change.

“This donation is another example of the power of community and sport working together to create positive change across borders. We’re proud to be a part of initiatives that not only support development but also bring people together,” Kukari said.

The donated merchandies arrived at a critical moment, as economic challenges continue to impact the funding of sports programs across PNG.

Cricket PNG chairman Michael Harrison expressed his gratitude towards the donors.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Project Yumi team for their efforts in organising the delivery of these much-needed cricket uniforms,” he said.

“A big thank you also goes to the Valley District Cricket Club in Brisbane and the Nightcliff Cricket Club in Darwin for their generous donation.

“This support comes at a crucial time when economic challenges make it increasingly difficult to fund such initiatives. Contributions like this go a long way in empowering our clubs and teams across the country, helping to nurture talent and grow the game at all levels."

"We look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership and commend both Project, Valley District Cricket Club and Nightcliff Cricket Club for their confidence in supporting Cricket PNG and the development of cricket in our communities."