TRUKAI RE-AFFIRMS 25-YEAR COMMITMENT TO TEAM PNG WITH K500,000 SPONSORSHIP

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN

TRUKAI Industries Limited has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to sport in Papua New Guinea, presenting K500,000 to the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) as part of a partnership that now spans more than 25 years.

The official cheque presentation was held at the Trukai Office in Gordons yesterday, Trukai Marketing Manager Peggy Maha handed over the sponsorship to PNG Olympic Committee Corporate Manager Denzil Agi, marking another milestone in one of the country’s longest-running corporate-sports partnerships.

Ms Maha said Trukai is extremely proud of the legacy it has built with Team PNG, particularly through its role as the naming-rights sponsor of the annual Trukai Fun Run, a flagship community event that raises vital funds for PNG athletes competing at international events.

Ms Maha said “Not many organisations can speak to a legacy that spans over 25 years. This partnership reflects Trukai’s commitment to the people of Papua New Guinea, especially athletes who represent our country on the world stage.”

She noted that the 2025 Trukai Fun Run recorded strong growth following disruptions caused by COVID-19, expanding to 10 venues nationwide and attracting new retail and corporate partners. Participation levels also increased significantly, with organisers selling out event T-shirts for the first time since the pandemic.

Ms Maha confirmed plans are already underway to make the 2026 Fun Run even bigger, encouraging families across the country to take part in what she described as PNG’s premier family fitness event, whether by running or walking.

PNG Olympic Committee Corporate Manager Denzil Agi welcomed the sponsorship, describing Trukai’s support as a critical pillar of Team PNG’s annual operations. He said the Fun Run remains the largest fundraising initiative for the Olympic Committee, directly supporting PNG’s participation in major sporting events including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and Pacific Games.

“Trukai’s support is not just financial,” Mr Agi said, “It also includes the people, resources, and coordination that go into delivering a national event of this scale. That level of commitment is rare and deeply valued.”

Mr Agi acknowledged the leadership of Trukai Industries General Manager for Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Andrew Grace, as well as Ms Maha and her team for their hands-on involvement in planning and delivering the annual event.

He added that long-term partnerships such as this play a vital role in developing sport at all levels and promoting active and healthy lifestyles across the country.