PNG Athletics 50 years on

Source: The National/PACNEWS

Peter Pulu preparing for the 2002
National Championships to be held in
Lae, PNG
Photo: Walter Edward, PNGBD

In 1961, in order to facilitate the Territories of Papua and New Guinea to participate in the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, TPNG joined the IAAF. 

Last Saturday athletes, officials and supporters had the opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of PNG Athletics at a cocktail party at Port Moresby’s Gateway Hotel.

Master of ceremony Philip Rehder introduced Athletics PNG president, Tony Green, who welcomed the special guest, legendary marathon runner, Steve Moneghetti and Auvita Rapilla, the secretary-general of the PNG Sports Federation and Olympic Committee, Iammo Launa, executive director of the PNG Sports’ Foundation, former presidents of Athletics PNG, Peter Andersen and Livingstone Tabua, former and current athletes, officials, and supporters.

Following Moneghetti’s  inspirational talk, sports statistician and historian Bob Snow gave a presentation of the history of PNG’s involvement in international athletics, from our first venture (the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games) to our best ever Pacific Games showing in Nouméa last year.

The audience was riveted as Snow recalled the memorable successes of previous generations, the likes of  Edward Laboran, Salitia Muga, Naomi Polum, Raki Leka, Takale Tuna, Launa and  others.

Tuna and Launa reminisced about how they became involved in athletics, the obstacles they had to overcome on their way, and mentioned the highlights  of their careers.

Tuna fought back tears as he recalled how proud he was to see PNG athletes winning so many gold medals at last year’s Pacific Games.

Towards the end of the formal part of the programme, Green presented certificates of appreciation to Muga, Andersen, Launa, Polum, Tuna, Salome Dell, Mowen Boino, Peter Pulu, Toea Wisil and Snow in recognition of their valuable contributions and support to athletics.

He also thanked sponsors of the celebration including Air Niugini, the Gateway Hotel and Panamex Pacific.

Other companies and associations which assisted in making the night a success were SP Brewery, Anitua, Oil Search, BND Investments and the PNG Softball Federation.

Green also acknowledged chairman of the organising committee Rehder; special guest Moneghetti and guest speakers Tuna and Launa for sharing their experiences.