K2.1 million for Team PNG pending

Team Athletics with PNG Olympic Committee President Emma Waiwai at the Team PNG welcome reception after the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. (Image: Supplied)

It was revealed this week by the PNG Olympic Committee that a K2.1 million government commitment made for Team PNG's participation in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games is still outstanding.

PNG Olympic Committee confirmed that they have received K2 million from the K4.1 million allocated for Team PNG with the acquittals submitted to the PNG Sports Foundation on the 6th of October.

PNG Olympic Committee also mentioned that from the K2 million received, they were able to sort out the national federations and reimbursed 50 percent of the K2000 levy per athlete and official.

This year, the cost per athlete for the Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games was approximately K11,000.

The K2,000 levy represented only 18% of the total cost, with PNGOC subsidizing the remaining 82%.

The K11,000 represents international and domestic airfares, full accommodation throughout the Games period, daily meals and athlete allowances, team uniforms and team kits, equipment, medical support and physiotherapy services, comprehensive insurance coverage, and team management and administrative support.

The PNG Olympic Committee made it clear to the national federations that it would be possible to reimburse in full if the approved K4.1 million government allocations was received.

Team PNG was represented at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau with a total of 185 athletes and officials in nine sports, athletics, basketball 3x3, beach volleyball, table tennis, softball, swimming, volleyball and weightlifting.