Australia gives K520, 000 to assist Manus Provincial Government for the 2014 PNG Games

SIXTEEN provincial sporting organisations in Manus will benefit from K520,000 funding package from the Australian Government provided under the Australia-Manus Support – Community Development program.

Head of the Aid Program in PNG, Stuart Schaeffer announced in May says this funding will assist the Manus Provincial Government improve sporting facilities and capacity for provincial associations prepare for the 2014 PNG Games in November.

It has been made possible through a partnership between the Manus Provincial Government and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Australia hopes this funding will support sports development and management to improve health and well being especially for the vulnerable youth, men, women and children on Manus Island. 

Mr Schaeffer said: “We hope this funding will help tackle crime, general disorder improved social and economic revitalisation for a happier and healthier community life on the Island.”

Under this grants, 16 sporting associations will receive a total funding of K320,000 while the other K200,000 will go towards the refurbishment of sporting facilitates and cover logistics costs to allow remote communities to attend provincial sporting tournament as a lead-up to the PNG Games. 

This funding will compliment the Manus Provincial Governments efforts to mobilise and prepare teams for the National Games.  The Manus Provincial Games will be held on the July 28, 2014.

The successful organisations to receive fund are:

·         Manus Soccer Association                

·         Manus Hockey Association               

·         Manus Amateur Basketball Association        

·         Manus Amateur Boxing Association 

·         Manus Table Tennis Association                   

·         Manus Para Sports Association                    

·         Manus Amateur Swimming Association

·         Manus Amateur Athletics Association           

·         Manus Karate Association                 

·         Manus Darts Association                   

·         Manus Amateur Volleyball Association         

·         Manus School Sports Association     

·         Manus Triathlon Association              

·         Manus Body Building Association     

·         Manus Va’a Sports Association                     

·         Manus Netball Association                

These organisations signed grant agreement in a small yet significant ceremony held in Lorengau town on May 29, 2014.

 
The Australian Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is delivering an additional assistance package in Manus Province.  This package provides additional assistance beyond the scope of the Australian aid program’s existing projects in Manus Province.

Already through the Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen (SPSN) small community grants scheme, Australia has also funded 11 community development projects.