K156,000 raised for Team PNG at PM’s corporate golf challenge

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has raised K156,000 to support Team PNG’s journey to the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, following a successful turnout at the Prime Minister’s Corporate Golf Challenge held Friday at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club.

The popular fundraising event drew participation from 39 corporate teams, reflecting strong support from the business community for national athletes preparing to represent PNG on the international stage from June 29 to July 9, 2025.

Now in its 27th year, the PM’s Corporate Golf Challenge remains a cornerstone of PNGOC’s fundraising efforts. The event, which began in Port Moresby in 1998 and expanded to Lae in 2005, has helped finance Team PNG’s participation in major international competitions.

This year’s top five teams were:

Nambawan Savings & Loans – 51.52 Nett

Team Oasis – 52.62 Nett

Kumul Minerals Team 3 – 53.75 Nett

DataCo – 54 Nett

ASAP Finance – 54 Nett

Several dignitaries attended the event, including the Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong, PNGOC president Emma Waiwai, Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu, and Kinivanagi Karo, Team PNG’s Chef de Mission for Palau 2025.

In his remarks, Karo expressed gratitude to all sponsors, teams, and supporters.

“When you see our national athletes out there, on the track, in the ring, on the court, lifting our flag high, know this. You had a hand in that. You helped get them there. And that feeling, that pride, is something no medal can buy,” the Chef de Mission said.

He extended special thanks to event partner The National, and support sponsors including Ela Motors, Air Niugini, SP Brewery, Trophy Haus, Trukai Industries, Theodist, High Performance Sport PNG, and the Blue 7 Team.

The next leg of the PM’s Corporate Golf Challenge will take place in Lae on Friday, June 6, 2025. PNGOC is encouraging interested teams of four to register for K3,000 to help fund Team PNG’s ongoing preparations.