The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) proudly honored four of the nation's most distinguished athletes at a well-attended and emotionally charged 2025 PNG Sports Hall of Fame (SHOF) induction ceremony on Friday, November 7th, at the Apec Haus in Port Moresby.
The event, which is now in its ninth year, saw the attendance of PNGOC Senior Vice President Tony Green, PNGOC Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu, PNG Sports Foundation Director Corporate Services William Yatapia, Sponsor Manager of Vodafone PNG and former member of PNG SHOF, Charmaine ToRobert.
Officially opening the ninth induction ceremony, PNGOC Senior Vice President, Mr. Tony Green had set the tone by declaring the event a celebration of far more than just athletic prowess.
He articulated that the Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the core values that underpin the nation's sporting identity.
“The PNG Sports Hall of Fame is more than just a recognition of athletic excellence. It is a celebration of the values that define us as a sporting nation: perseverance, humility, teamwork and pride in representing Papua New Guinea.”
“These are the qualities that our inductees have displayed throughout their careers, inspiring generations of athletes to dream bigger and aim higher.”
PNGOC proudly echoed the sentiment national pride for past and future generation, praising the selection of the 2025 inductees, Mowen Boino (400m Hurdles), Salome Dell (800m & 1500m), Anna-Liza Moipa Jane, Oly (Freestyle Swimmer), and Nelson Stone (200m & 400m).
The event expressed the diversity of disciplines honored, from the pool to the track, from the gruelling hurdles to the pure speed of the sprints.
Their relentless dedication sent a powerful message that excellence is not confined to a single sport.
Each of these legends, from Boino's relentless pace to Dell's enduring strength, Anna-Liza’s trailblazing in the pool, and Stone's explosive power, perfectly embodies perseverance and dedication.
These sporting role models are not just champions, but national treasures who truly deserve this permanent recognition.
The evening brought tears, joy and a sense of satisfaction, as they earned their recognition in the PNG SHOF among some of the Nations Sporting heroes, representing the nation in global sporting events, including, Olympics, World Championships, Pacific Games and more, encouraging and empowering the sporting realm in PNG.
Furthermore, Mr. Green had also paid tribute to the broader sporting communities, families, coaches, teammates and communities, while also acknowledging sponsors like Vodafone PNG for their crucial role.
In celebrating these four extraordinary individuals, PNGOC not only cemented their place in history but also reinforced the powerful role of sport as a source of national unity and inspiration, a fact warmly affirmed by all in attendance.
