The PNG Olympic Committee today hosted the 2024 Olympic Day in which took place at the Taurama Aquatic Centre, Port Moresby.
The aim of this annual event was to give an opportunity for people to be able to connect and gather together, be active, learn about the Olympic values and discover new sports.
On this day, athletes and Olympians have also been encouraged to share their experiences and sporting activities and with that, saw 4-time Olympic swimmer, Ryan Pini, who had the opportunity to share with all participants today what it’s like to take part in an Olympic sport.
Pini shared with everyone the hardships and successes of an Olympian and shared a word of encouragement to those who share the same passion as him.
“Representing Papua New Guinea as an Olympian has been an incredible experience.”
“There has been a lot of challenges, triumphs and celebrations along the way, but this has been a journey.”
“As an Olympian, its not about looking back to the last Olympics, but also embracing everything that the Olympics stands for and that’s passion, perseverance and pushing limits for what’s possible for every individual.”
Pini also shared how the previous Olympics Games that he has taken part in, has truly shown unity through the value of sports and encouraged everyone to push forward, inspiring one another and making positive impacts through the power of sports.
Meanwhile, also speaking at the event was PNGOC Secretary General, Desmond Kaviagu who stated that this momentous occasion that falls every year on the 23rd of June, is an opportunity for the Olympic Committee to promote and celebrate what they do and that is through the Olympic movement.
“This event will give you an opportunity to see the different sports demonstrations of what our athletes do.”
“This is where you can start if you have an interest in being an Olympian later on in the future so let’s move, engage and remember to have fun!”
In addition to this event, twelve different Olympic sports where interested teams from in and around Port Moresby registered to take part.
The teams in which took part range from different age groups from certain schools and communities through the National Sports Federation under their Sports For Development programs.
The 2024 Olympic Day was organized by PNGOC and funded by International Olympic Committee under the Olympic Solidarity funds.