Cash for Pacific Games medal winners

Athletes who played their hearts out to win medals for Papua New Guinea at the concluded Pacific Games will be rewarded with cash.

The national government has stood true to its commitment made by Sports Minister Don Polye in Port Moresby today.

A sum of K1 million written on the dummy cheque will be split among athletes who won gold, silver or bronze medals in individual and team sports competitions in the Solomon Islands.

PNG Sports Foundation chief executive officer Albert Veratau said K5, 000 will be for the first place finish, K2, 500 for second place on the podium and K1, 000 for coming third.

PNG finished fifth, in the two weeks of competition, collecting 29 gold, 37 silver and 39 bronze medals.

But Abigail Tere-Apisah who combined with Mathew Stubbings to win tennis gold in the mixed doubles believes “If an incentive was announced prior to the games, I think it will push all the athletes and myself to push more.”

The token appreciation for the medal winners will be a Christmas blessing.

PNG Olympic Committee General Secretary Auvita Rapilla said PNGOC will make payment into athlete’s accounts in the coming days.