The National Sports Institute (NSI), a Division of the PNG Sports Foundation (PNGSF), is pleased to announce the successful handover of a new Toyota Ten Seater and six mobile tower lights to the Institute. These valuable items were generously provided by PNGSF, symbolizing their continued commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure and support in Papua New Guinea.

The ceremony, held at the NSI campus, saw the presence of PNGSF Finance and Admin Officer, Mr. Winston Nelson, alongside other esteemed officers from the Foundation. They were warmly received by NSI Director, Ms. Janet Gimots, and her dedicated team.

In his address, Mr. Nelson emphasized the significance of these contributions, highlighting that the new vehicle and lighting systems are integral to the effective implementation and smooth running of PNGSF’s programs and community engagement at the Institute. Mr. Nelson stated that “These items are not just tools; they are enablers of progress, designed to facilitate our sports initiatives and ensure that our programs, athletes and staff have the resources they need to excel.”

Ms. Gimots, in her heartfelt word of thanks, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the National Sports Institute. “We are deeply appreciative of the PNG Sports Foundation’s generosity. The Toyota Ten Seater will greatly enhance our mobility and logistics, while the lighting systems will improve our facilities, making them safer and more efficient. We commit to utilizing these resources responsibly and ensuring they are well-maintained to serve our programs for years to come,” she remarked.

This handover marks a significant step in bolstering the capabilities of the NSI, ensuring that it continues to be a leading center for sports excellence in Papua New Guinea. The NSI community looks forward to seeing the positive impact these new resources will bring to their programs and activities. The Institute wishes to sincerely thank the PNG Sports Foundation, and especially the outgoing CEO Mr. Albert Veratau, for their unwavering support and dedication to the development of sports in our country.

The 2023 Trukai Fun Run in Goroka was an extraordinary spectacle that showcased the town’s unity and passion for sports. This event came about as a result of a collaborative effort between Trukai Industries Limited, PNG Olympic Committee and the National Sports Institute. The event attracted an impressive turnout of participants of all ages and background, highlighting the growing importance of active lifestyles and community engagement.

The Trukai Fun Run is one of PNG Olympic Committee’s major fundraiser events from which Team PNG is sent to major international competitions such as the upcoming Pacific Games this year in Solomon Islands. NSI and Trukai Goroka demonstrated their commitment in organizing the Fun Run for Goroka while at the same time promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle within the community. Runners and walkers alike filled the streets, contributing to the festive atmosphere and creating an unforgettable experience. The institute’s dedication to fostering sports culture and encouraging participation contributed significantly to the event’s success.

NSI and Trukai could not have hosted this event successfully without the support of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary through our Police Station Commander. In acknowledging their support, Trukai donated 10kg Rice bags to Senior Inspector Josephine Kumai, OIC Traffic Goroka as well as cartons of Water. The generous donations were presented to the local police force, symbolizing a collaborative effort to appreciate the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement personnel. We also thank all the NSI staff and the ADP athletes who all assisted as Volunteers for the Trukai Fun Run on Sunday. 

Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology and Sports Hon. Don Poyle, recently paid a visit to the National Sports Institute (NSI) to meet with the Director, staff and resident athletes.

The Minister, who was accompanied by officials from his ministry, was given a tour of the facilities by the Institute’s Director.

During the tour, Hon. Poyle had the opportunity to interact with athletes from the Institute’s Athlete Development Program (ADP) who are training at the Institute. He was impressed with the level of dedication and commitment that the athletes displayed towards their training, despite the challenges they faced. The Minister also spoke with the coaches and trainers who are responsible for the athletes’ development and training programs. He encouraged the ADP Athletes to represent the country as good ambassadors in all their domestic and international competitions.

Hon. Poyle emphasized the importance of sports in the development of the country. He noted that sport had the potential to not only promote physical health but also to develop values such as respect, discipline, and leadership. The Minister pledged to continue supporting the development of sport in the country by providing the necessary resources and infrastructure.

Furthermore he also spoke about the importance of higher education in sports. He noted that education was crucial in providing athletes with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed both on and off the field. The Minister pledged to work closely with the National Sports Institute to ensure that athletes receive the necessary support to pursue their academic and athletic goals.

The visit by Hon. Don Poyle to the National Sports Institute was an important step towards promoting sports development in the country. It demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting the growth of sports and providing athletes with the necessary resources to succeed. The Minister’s pledge to continue supporting the development of sports and higher education is a positive sign for the future of sports in the country.

The National Sports Institute took time out today to recognize and celebrate International Women’s Day. This organization is almost equal in terms of gender participation at our workplace with 42% who are women serving in various roles at this Goroka office.

This year 2023 the IWD theme raises awareness on diversity, equity and inclusiveness. We continue in our endeavors to recognize and push for a “world where difference is valued and celebrated”. Together with all our women folk in the sporting fraternity and community here in the Eastern Highlands, we acknowledge and celebrate women who have raised the level and participation of sport in Papua New Guinea. There is still a lot more we can do.

Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity .

#internationalwomensday23

#applaudequalityforwomeninsport

The NSI Athlete Development Program (ADP) has resumed officially for 2023 with the last lot of athletes arriving at camp on Monday 20th February. The ADP has grown since 2020 having started with just 3 athletes. This year the Institute granted five (5) new athletes into the program giving a total of 13; two of whom are now US based. This makes it 11 ADP athletes officially in camp. In addition to the eleven, 1 female athlete, Joy Tieba, is granted ‘Probation’ status until her performance qualifies her to be part of this residential program.

Preparations began at the end of January with Medical Checks and a series of Fitness Tests. This ADP demands a 50-50 percent effort in both Training and Education. Two athletes are enrolled at formal school in Year 12, one is upgrading Year 12 at Department of Open and Distance Learning (DODL), while the rest are registered at Flexible Open Distance Learning (FODE) Goroka Centre to complete their education.

The month of February saw athletes getting back to shape in the gym and at the track. Schedules are pretty hectic with sessions starting as early as 5.30am and ending with study sessions concluding at 9pm. These athletes have an arduous task ahead as competitions are just around the corner. They have to get into a training routine at the same time, maintain a regular study pattern. This will continue until their first competition in May this year.

Our Team:

Assistant coaches Mike Smith and Philip Kamane return back on duty supporting Head Coach, Mr. Samu Sasama, in various capacities. The team hope to excel this year again under the stewardship of Mr. Sasama.

Director NSI acknowledges the continued support of the PNG Sports Foundation through the CEO Mr. Albert Veratau. We also appreciate and thank our partner Athletics PNG Inc. for their assistance towards the program so far. Much gratitude to the families, friends, and Eastern Highlands for backing us when we reach out to you.

Tune in the next time as we profile our athletes leading up to the Highlands/Momase Regional Athletics Championship in Goroka on 27th – 28th May 2023.

Goroka town and the National Sports Institute came alive last weekend during the International Rugby League test match between PNG Orchids and England Women. England Women won the match 24 -10.

The Primary School Sports Program conducted a ball games festival featuring Volleyball, Touch, and Futsal (five-aside-soccer) on Thursday, 5th Sept 2019.

District school teams from 5 districts within Eastern Highlands Province attended the one day competition. The districts are: Goroka, Henganofi, Daulo, Unggai-Bena, and Obura-Wonenara.

All sports were contested under two divisions – under 16 and 16 plus.

Results

The overall winner of the festival is Goroka District with Obura-Wonenara as runner up. Unggai-Bena District won the under 16 Division while Goroka District took out the 16 plus division.

The Primary School Sports Program is an initiative of the Institute and it is conducted under the Sports Excellence Section. The concept has grown from strength to strength since its roll out in 2017 and to date it is driven through all districts in EHP. The concept will soon be rolled out into other provinces as well.