Port Moresby 2015 add National Gaming Control Board to list of platinum sponsors

Port Moresby 2015 have added National Gaming Control Board to their growing list of sponsors for the Pacific Games ©Port Moresby 2015

Port Moresby 2015 have announced National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) as the latest platinum sponsor of this year’s Pacific Games in the Papua New Guinean capital.

The news comes as Port Moresby enters its final preparations for the Games, due to take place from July 4 to 18, and the agreement has been hailed by Organising Committee chair Emma Waiwai, who believes it is important to have Governmental backing for the event.

“The Games Organising Committee would not be as well prepared if it wasn’t for the support we have received from the Government, Corporate Papua New Guinea, the growing stakeholders and the community,” she said at the official announcement.

“For everyone else, the 4th July marks the beginning of the two weeks of high level competition but for Port Moresby 2015, our Games have already started.

“We are well and truly underway with our preparation.”

National Gaming Control Board become the 21st sponsor of the Pacific Games, set to be the largest sporting event to be held in Papua New Guinea in the country’s history, and they join the likes of Ok Tedi Mining, Telikom PNG, SP Brewery, PNG Power and Puma Energy in partnering with the Games.

Port Moresby 2015 claim over K64 million (£15 million/$23.5 million/€21 million) has been raised through sponsors for the Games so far.

“The sponsorship support of this magnitude is in line with the National government initiative to host the two-week-long 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby from 4-18th July 2015,” acting NGCB chief executive Imelda Argon added.

“The staging of the Pacific Games in the country unites the Pacific Island countries.

“By its very nature sports is about inclusions, bringing countries, governments and international agencies to engage highlighting commonalities and bridging cultural and religious groups together in unison.”

Team building training for volunteers at the Pacific Games has been held as preparations for the event enter their final stretch ©Port Moresby 2015

Despite concerns over whether venues would be ready in time for the event, Waiwai remains optimistic, highlighting that ticket sales have already passed the K100,000 (£23,700/$37,000/€33,100) mark.

Port Moresby 2015 had hoped the fact that tickets for the swimming events, which will feature three-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ryan Pini, had sold out would “put to bed” any fears over readiness of venues.

Meanwhile, the venue teams for each arena have held meetings to prepare for the event and all sporting equipment has reportedly been delivered to the Games warehouse.

Preparations are also nearing completion at the Games Village, with all necessary furniture and equipment already in place ready for the athletes’ arrival.