The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has acknowledged the tremendous support given by the PNG Government and its partners towards Team PNG’s participation in the recent Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, but now it’s seeking the remaining part of the funding yet to be paid to them. During the 2023 Games Review Workshop held on Saturday March 2nd in Port Moresby city, the PNGOC advised National Federations that K4 million out of the K8.24 million support package announced by the government for the Pacific Games had been received to date. In addition, the National Gaming Control Board also committed K1 million towards Team PNG, whilst a direct payment to Air Niugini of K1.965 million for the team charter flights was made. This leaves a balance of approximately K3.24 million yet to be paid to the PNGOC. “On 19th February, we submitted to the PNG Sports Foundation a detailed acquittal on the funds received, and we acknowledge our responsibility to ensure that these public funds are properly accounted for," said the PNGOC President, Sir John Dawanicura. PNGOC also advised National Federations that it is actively pursuing the remaining K3.24 million. “Preparing our team for the Games is crucially important and due to the delays in the release of funding committed by Government, PNGOC dipped into its reserves in order to support our athletes in their preparations,” the president stressed. “The fact remains that these funds were committed to Team PNG and should be forward to us in order to replenish our reserves and enable PNGOC and our Member Federations to prepare for the Pacific Mini Games next year in Palau.” “We do not wish to be in the same position next year chasing funding right up to the departure of the team and therefore, call on the PNG Sports Foundation to immediately forward the balance of K3.24 million.” Meanwhile, Sir Dawanincura also acknowledged the other sponsors, which include PNG Sports Foundation, Kumul Mineral Holdings and National Gaming Control Board for their support towards Team PNG.