The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) Board at a special executive meeting held this week, received a comprehensive report from the Secretary General and Treasurer on the 2023 Pacific Games’ budget, revenue, and expenditure.
It was reported to the Board that the seven Air Niugini charter flights to send Team PNG to the Games which cost a total of K1, 965, 846, were paid for directly by the PNG Sports Foundation and that K3 million was deposited into the PNGOC account.
This Government contribution of K4, 965, 846 almost fully covered Team PNG’s total expenditure on the Games, which amounted to K5.2 million including some preparation costs over and above those funded by Kumul Consolidated Holdings Annual Sponsorship.
In addition to this K3 million received from PNG Sports Foundation, PNGOC also obtained K1 million for the Medal Rewards.
After considering the report and recommendations concerning the break up, the board resolved to pay medal rewards to Team PNG athletes, officials, and National Federations (NFs) for their contributions to the medal tally at the 2023 Pacific Games.
Team PNG athletes’ rewards are Gold medal in the amount of K5, 000 (per medal per athlete, where each athlete received K5, 000 each), Silver which is K2, 500 and Bronze, K1, 000.
Meanwhile, Team PNG officials’ rewards are Gold medal Head Coach is K2, 000 (fixed rate, not per event) Gold medal Managers and Assistant Coaches is K1, 000, Silver medal all officials, K750 and Bronze medal all officials, K500.
Officials will be paid a fixed rate for the highest medal won by the sport. Reward payments to officials are subject to their final Games Reports being submitted to PNGOC.
In alignment with the original proposal submitted to the Minister for Sports regarding Incentives, the PNGOC Board has agreed to distribute the remaining balance from the K1 million to National Federations after athletes and officials’ rewards are disbursed.
The Board will determine a fair and reasonable basis for sharing the available funds among the medal-winning sports.
Taking into consideration the Government support and PNGOC’s fundraising efforts, the PNGOC Board has agreed to reimburse levy fees to National Federations.
Individuals who paid directly to PNGOC will be reimbursed directly, while National Federations that imposed levies on their team members must reimburse those individuals.
Moreover, PNGOC is working to process all medal rewards for athletes and officials by this Friday and the processing of related payments will continue into the New Year.
After the completion of all payments, PNGOC will submit a comprehensive report and fund acquittal to the Government through the Ministry of Sports and PNG Sports Foundation.