MEDIA RELEASE
11 May 2007
For immediate release
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT BACKS AUSSIE RULES IN PNG
AFLPNG received a major boost today when it received new equipment from the Australian Government, during an official handover ceremony involving AFL legend Kevin Morris and local school children.
The Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, presented hundreds of Aussie Rules footballs to AFLPNG officials during the ceremony at Bavaroka Primary School in Port Moresby.
The equipment was provided under the Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP) – a scheme which offers grants to developmental sports organisations in the Pacific.
Mr Moraitis said: “ASOP has a strong focus on grassroots – rather than elite – sport programs; programs which are inclusive and effect real, lasting change in the community. It is particularly keen to support projects which benefit young children.
“On behalf of the Australian Government, I can say that we are very proud to see the aims of ASOP becoming a reality through the work of AFLPNG.”
Mr Moraitis – himself a big fan of AFL – said he was pleased to see more and more youngsters taking up the game in PNG.
He said: “It is good to see that AFL is becoming increasingly popular in PNG. A shared passion for AFL is another link between our two countries – something that will further strengthen the already strong relationship between Australia and PNG.”
AFLPNG’s National Operations Manager, Peter Cates thanked the Australian Government for its assistance.
He said: “These footballs will be used to support our Saveman, Raitman and Pikinini Rules programs, which are all school-based initiatives. We will distribute them to other provinces during the AFLPNG national tour which starts next week.”
Bavaroka Primary School has been participating in AFLPNG’s Pikinini Rules program which seeks to encourage young children to participate in the game.
Media Inquiries: Raymond Palangat, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 454