Fun Run Auctions raise K375,000
The 2022 Trukai Fun Run Auctions held in Lae and Port Moresby on March 24th and 31st has greatly boosted Team PNG with a total of K375,000 raised over the two nights from the Auction of the Trukai Fun Run t-shirts.
In a show of support for Team PNG, business houses and corporate entities turned up in numbers to support this worthy cause which took place in both Lae and Port Moresby.
President of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), Sir John Dawanincura thanked the Business community in both urban centres for their great support and commitment to Team PNG at this year’s auctions.
The auction held in Lae on the 24th of March at the Lae Yacht Club saw 9,700 shirts sold for K145,500 whilst the March 31st Port Moresby Auction at the APEC Haus saw 15,300 shirts auctioned off for K229, 500. Overall from both auctions a total of 25,000 shirts were sold raising a total value of K375,000.
In acknowledging the overwhelming support in these challenging and hard economic times, Sir John said, “Your support through the purchase of the Fun Run shirts will also assist various schools and institutions around the country to raise extra funds for their school projects and enable more people to be a part of this campaign,” he said.
Sir John also acknowledged the top three bidders respectively for Lae; Raumai 18 Ltd, Trukai Industries Ltd and Papindo Group as well as for Port Moresby; PNG Rugby Union, Homa Security Services and Brian Bell Group.
“This level of support gives us confidence and the impetus to shoulder on, as we strive to offer the best possibilities for our athletes and our country,” Sir John added.
“Despite the fact that there will be no fun run this year due to the pandemic and restrictions on mass gatherings, we are thankful that the business communities were still able to support us at the auctions”, said Sir John.
Naming rights sponsor of the Fun Run, Trukai Industries Limited sponsored 50,000 t shirts of which PNGOC hopes to sell all before Team PNG departs for the Pacific Mini Games and Commonwealth Games in June and July respectively.
All Funds raised will greatly assist PNGOC send Team PNG Athletes and Officials to the Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Northern Marianas and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
“I thank Trukai Industries for the sponsorship of the Fun Run again this year and I acknowledge Trukai’s partnership with the PNGOC over the last 23 years, since 2000.
Trukai Industries CEO Alan Preston, acknowledged other support sponsors, business houses, clients and supporters alike in driving both auctions.
“We understand the challenges businesses have faced in the last two years due to the impact of Covid. In spite of this, the support at the auctions has demonstrated the resilience of the business community in PNG.
The auctioned t shirts purchased can be donated to schools to be resold by the schools at a price not exceeding K15 with all proceeds to be kept by the schools for their respective school projects.
While participating organisations on the other hand, have the option to add their branding onto these shirts. The Fun Run t-shirt designs also features the message - ‘Reduce Your Risk of Covid 19’, in compliance to and in support of national government efforts to curb and reduce the coronavirus community transmission efforts.
With 25,000 shirts left to sell before the Teams departs for the Games, PNGOC is appealing to other organisations and Papua New Guineans to get behind Team PNG to buy the t-shirts.
Interested organisations or individuals wanting more information on the sale of Trukai Fun Run t shirts can contact Miss Sangiawi Singut, Marketing & Events Coordinator at the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee on 323 1499, 325 1411 or e-mail events@pngoc.org.pg.