The energy was electric at the Port Moresby edition of the Trukai Fun Run Auction held on Friday evening as the local business community rallied together in a powerful display of support for Team PNG. The event proved to be a resounding success, with an impressive 17, 200 Trukai Fun Run shirts being sold, collectively raising a significant K258, 000 for Team PNG. These highly anticipated auctions serve as a crucial fundraising prelude to the annual Trukai Fun Run, a much-loved national event. This year’s Fun Run carries the inspiring theme, ‘Running Through History,’ an emotional reflection on Papua New Guinea’s remarkable 50-year journey of Independence. The theme shines a spotlight on the unifying power of sport, celebrating its growth and development as a force that brings communities together. All proceeds generated from the auction will be channelled directly towards funding Team PNG’s participation in the upcoming 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, scheduled from June 29th to July 9th. This financial boost will be instrumental in ensuring our athletes have the resources they need to compete at their best on the international stage. Both the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and Trukai Industries Limited (TIL), who are the driving forces behind the Trukai Fun Run, expressed their profound gratitude to the Port Moresby business community for their unwavering commitment to Team PNG. Their heartfelt thanks extended to the numerous government entities, business houses, and individuals who demonstrated remarkable generosity by attending and bidding at the auction, all in support of both our national athletes and local schools, who will also benefit significantly from the funds raised. Team PNG Chef de Mission to Palau 2025, Kinivanagi Karo took a moment to recognize and thank the Trukai Fun Run major sponsor, Trukai industries Limited, and the top five bidders at the t-shirt auction including, Sir Brian Bell Foundation, Institute of Business Studies University, Brands Pacific, International Training Institute, and PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), for their invaluable support. “I would like to extend my warmest gratitude towards the major sponsor, Trukai Industries. Limited for their unwavering support.” “Your contributions will play a crucial role in this year’s Pacific Mini Games, we are grateful for your commitment towards Team PNG.” “Your generosity is truly inspiring and gives us the motivation to continue our efforts to provide the best possible Launchpad for our Team PNG athletes.” [caption id="attachment_65930" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Team PNG Chef de Mission to Palau 2025, Kinivanagi Karo Mr. Knivagi Karo Pic Credits: Trukai Industries Limited[/caption] Meanwhile the head of Trukai Industries, Mr. Andrew Grace, also acknowledged the remarkable commitment and support demonstrated by the business community towards Team PNG. He conveyed his sincere gratitude and expressed his optimistic outlook for the upcoming annual Trukai Fun Run. “We are eagerly looking forward to working closely with the PNG Olympic Committee to make this year’s Trukai Fun Run another truly memorable event.” “Mark your calendars for June 22nd, as we anticipate an event that will be bigger, better, and even safer for everyone to participate in.” He further emphasized the enduring strength of the partnership, stating that for 25 years, the partnership between Trukai Industries and the PNG Olympic Committee has stood strong as a powerful symbol of their shared commitment to Team PNG and the incredible unifying power of sports within our nation. The resounding success of the 2025 Port Moresby Trukai T-shirt auctions would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of dedicated support sponsors. [caption id="attachment_65929" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Head of Trukai Industries Mr. Andrew Grace
Pic Credits: Trukai Industries Limited[/caption] Moreover, the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee and Trukai Industries have both extended their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Air Niugini, Theodist Limited, IBS University, Coral Sea Hotels, Trophy Haus, and Vodafone PNG for their tireless support and unwavering dedication to the Trukai Fun Run campaign. The commitment of these esteemed sponsors has truly made a significant difference, and both organizations look forward to their continued partnership and support in the years to come. In addition, a unique aspect of the initiative allows participating organizations the option to add their own branding onto the purchased t-shirts before generously donating them to their chosen schools. This thoughtful gesture further strengthens the connection between the business community and the educational institutions they are supporting. Furthermore, in terms of adding a touch of fun and promoting healthy living, the Fun Run t-shirt design also features Trukai Industries’ beloved superheroes of nutrition, Tru and Kai. These vibrant characters are also the stars of two engaging publications produced by Trukai Industries in partnership with Buk bilong Pikinini. These superheroes champion the vital message of healthy eating and active lifestyles, inspiring young Papua New Guineans to embrace a healthy lifestyle. The overwhelming success of the Port Moresby auction sets a positive tone for the second lag of the Trukai Fun Run Auctions which will be in Lae on June 13th and the main Trukai Fun Run event on June 22nd, promising to be a powerful demonstration of national unity, sporting spirit, and community support.