By Nick Butler

PNGPC President Peter Curtain and BSP Group chief executive Robin Fleming far right with delighted athletes and officials following the announcement ©PNGPCBank South Pacific (BSP) has renewed its support of the Papua New Guinea Paralympic Committee (PNGPC) with funding totalling PNK100,000 (£24,000/$41,000/€30,000) designed to enable Para-athletes from the country to compete in events around the world.


The funding, unveiled in a Ceremony in Port Moresby, marks an extension of a similar deal announced four months before the London 2012 Paralympic Games two years ago. 

Part of the funds have been spent on supporting a training camp ahead of the team's participation in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, beginning in the Scottish city on July 23. 

Papua New Guinea's largest bank will also provide extensive merchandise for athletes.

"This support is part of our long-standing commitment in supporting sports in Papua New Guinea," said BSP Group chief executive Robin Fleming.

"We are delighted to continue our support to further our elite para athletes [so they can] prepare and represent our country in various international events that are scheduled this year."

A delighted PNGPC President, Peter Curtain, also thanked BSP for its continued support and applauded the BSP management in providing support towards developing sports for people with an impairment.

Francis Kompaon won Papua New Guinea's first ever Paralympic medal, with a T46 100m silver behind only Heath Francis of Australia, at Beijing 2008 ©Getty ImagesFrancis Kompaon won Papua New Guinea's first ever Paralympic medal, with a T46 100m silver behind only Heath Francis of Australia, at Beijing 2008 ©Getty Images



The funding allowed two Papua New Guineans to compete at London 2012, with powerlifter Timothy Harabe participating alongside Francis Kompaon, the sprinter who won a T46 100 metres silver medal four years earlier in Beijing.

Kompaon finished seventh over 100m in London, while Harabe placed 10th in the 75 kilogram division.

When the Olympic and Paralympic events are combined, Papua New Guinea will be sending a team of 93 athletes and 47 officials to Glasgow 2014. 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
June 2013: Papua New Guinea awarded funding boost to prepare for London 2012