The Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) is a fun and engaging way to teach young people about the Olympic values of Excellence, Respect, and Friendship.
The program uses sport and physical activity to promote positive life skills, healthy living, and strong values that can help shape individuals and build better communities.
It encourages young people to carry these values not only in sports but also in their daily lives. The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) is rolling out the OVEP program to inspire and educate children and communities across the country.
Through this initiative, PNGOC aims to instill the values of honesty, excellence, respect, and openness (known as the PNGOC HERO values) in the hearts of the next generation.
This year, the OVEP activities also form part of the lead-up to Olympic Day which will be on June 23rd, a day celebrated globally to promote participation in sport, unity, and living a healthy, active life.
On the 10th of this month (May), the PNGOC team visited Gabagaba Village in Central Province to launch the OVEP campaign.
It was a lively and meaningful event that brought together children, youth, and community members.
The highlight of the day was a series of inspirational talks by Team PNG HERO athletes, who shared powerful messages based on the PNGOC HERO values including Honesty, Excellence, Respect, and Openness.
Their stories encouraged the children and villagers to live by these values, whether in sport, school, or everyday life.
In addition, the program in Gabagaba included fun sporting activities that allowed the children to practice the HERO values through teamwork, fair play, and participation.
There were also creative art sessions where children and villagers wrote heartfelt well wishes to Team PNG athletes who will be representing the country at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau next month.
The day was filled with laughter, learning, and community spirit, as everyone came together to celebrate the power of sport and values-based education.
Following the successful launch in Gabagaba, the OVEP campaign will continue in Gaire, Barakau, Tubusereia, Papa Village, the Lealea, as part of the countdown to Olympic Day.
Furthermore, through these village visits, PNGOC hopes to keep spreading awareness, pride, and positivity, while supporting Team PNG and encouraging everyone to embrace the Olympic spirit.