Wells calls time after 44 years of dedicated service to swimming
After 56 remarkable years in Papua New Guinea, Elizabeth Wells, MBE, president of PNG Swimming, has officially retired, closing a chapter defined by 44 years of volunteer service in sports administration and coaching, particularly in the sport of swimming.
Her dedication has shaped generations of athletes, coaches, and communities, leaving an enduring mark on swimming in Papua New Guinea.
Wells first arrived in PNG in 1969, when her parents were working with Bougainville Copper in Panguna.
“My five siblings and I would join them during the school holidays,” she recalled. “In 1975, I married my husband, Kahi, in Panguna, and together we raised three boys, all born at Arawa Hospital.”
She spent over 20 years in Panguna teaching local children to swim and helping run the swimming club. That passion for developing young swimmers and building community became the foundation for a life’s work that has touched the nation.
For more than two decades, Wells served as President of Papua New Guinea Swimming Inc., leading with unwavering dedication. Under her stewardship, the sport grew from strength to strength, achieving representation at the Pacific, Oceania, Commonwealth, Olympic Games, and World Championships.
Among her many regional and international roles, Wells served on the Oceania Swimming Association Board for 20 years and has been the National Coach for the PNG team multiple times since 1991. She led athletes at multiple international events, including the Arafura Games, Oceania Championships, Pacific Games, Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships.
Her contribution to sport was recognised in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours, when she was appointed a Member of the British Empire [MBE] for services to sport, particularly aquatics. Over the years, she has also been honored with:
• Life Membership of Boroko Amateur Swimming Club [2008]
• Life Membership of Papua New Guinea Swimming Inc. [2016]
• Life Membership of Oceania Swimming Association [2024]
• Appointment as Patron of PNG Swimming Inc. [2025]
Her leadership and involvement began in Bougainville and grew to national, regional, and international stages, supported by a long list of coaching and officiating accreditations. She was also a two-time SP Sports Award winner in 1998 and 1999.
But titles alone cannot capture Elizabeth’s impact. She is more than a coach and more than a leader, but an institution as described by the swimming community. Her belief in the potential of Papua New Guinean youth in the sport of swimming, and her tireless work behind the scenes, have left a legacy that will echo through swimming lanes for generations to come.
Reflecting on her leaving PNG, Elizabeth shared:
“There isn’t just one thing I’ll miss about PNG, there are so many. As I pack, a wave of emotions rises to the surface, beautiful memories of our years in Bougainville, the many friendships we’ve made, and the change of pace when we moved to Port Moresby. Papua New Guinea has been my home for 56 years, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Incoming President of PNG Swimming, Ryan Pini, MBE, shared farewell remarks earlier this week from Singapore, where he is competing at the World Aquatics Masters Swimming Championships,
“As I take on the role of President, I do so with great respect for Liz, my former coach, mentor, and an inspiration in and out of the pool," Pini said.
"Her belief in me and countless other swimmers has shaped the sport in PNG for decades. It’s an honour to follow in her footsteps and continue the legacy she has built. Thank you, Liz, for everything you have done for our sport and our athletes.”
As Wells retires, the entire PNG swimming community from past and present, joins in saying thank you. "Your legacy is not just in medals, but in lives changed, confidence built, and dreams realised."