Port Moresby business community raises K258,000 for Team PNG at Trukai Fun Run auction
The spirit of national pride and community support was on full display at the Port Moresby edition of the Trukai Fun Run Auction on Friday, as local businesses came together to raise K258,000 for Team PNG.
A total of 17,200 Trukai Fun Run shirts were sold at the event, with proceeds going towards Team PNG’s preparation for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, taking place from June 29 to July 9.
Themed “Running Through History”, this year’s Fun Run marks Papua New Guinea’s 50 years of independence, celebrating the role of sport in uniting communities and fostering national identity.
Organised by the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee [PNGOC] and Trukai Industries Limited, the auction drew significant participation from the business sector, government entities, and individuals.
Chef de Mission for Palau 2025, Kinivanagi Karo, thanked major sponsor Trukai Industries and acknowledged the top five bidders: Sir Brian Bell Foundation, IBS University, Brands Pacific, International Training Institute, and PNG Investment Promotion Authority.
“Your contributions will play a crucial role in ensuring our athletes are fully prepared and supported at the Pacific Mini Games,” Karo said.
Head of Trukai Industries Andrew Grace echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for the community’s continued support.
“For 25 years, our partnership with the PNG Olympic Committee has stood strong. We look forward to another memorable Fun Run this year,” Grace said.
“Mark your calendars for June 22nd, we promise an even bigger and better event.”
Support sponsors for the campaign include Air Niugini, Theodist Limited, IBS University, Coral Sea Hotels, Trophy Haus, and Vodafone PNG.
The initiative also allows shirt buyers to add custom branding before donating them to local schools, reinforcing ties between businesses and education.
This year’s t-shirt design features Trukai’s popular nutrition superheroes, Tru and Kai, who also star in educational materials promoting healthy lifestyles for children, produced in partnership with Buk bilong Pikinini.
With strong momentum from Port Moresby, anticipation now builds for the Lae auction on June 13, ahead of the national Trukai Fun Run on June 22, a celebration of sport, health, and national unity.