Team PNG athletes and official were welcomed home on Wednesday night by the PNG Olympic committee following their participation at the 2023 Pacific Games that concluded in the Solomon Islands. PNGOC President John Dawanicura during his address to the athletes and family members extended a word of thanks for their performance over the two weeks of competition. President Dawanicura thanked them for their dedication and commitment in competing against some of the best in the Pacific. “Their dedication [the athletes] as well as their performances speaks volumes of the achievements of the individuals.” “Again, your hard work brought honour and pride to our nation.” Team PNG collected 105 medals at the games, collecting 29 Gold, 37 silver and 39 bronze medals concluding with 105 medals overall and landing the 5th spot in the pacific standings. He thanked all sponsors and stakeholders of Team PNG for their continuous support in helping the PNGOC and team in achieving their goals and ambitions. Following a long list of thank you to all personnel that put an effort into making it possible for team PNG to take part in international sporting events, the president called for more financial support by the government. Highlighting that funding for sports has been non-existent for much of the last 8 years. “Include sports in your budget.” “Include sports in whatever decisions that are made because it is part of integral part of human development.” “Team PNG represents the entire country, encompassing sports that carry the Papua New Guinea flag.”