The Australian High Commission has announced 23 successful recipients of its inaugural Pilai Long Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund, aimed at strengthening community development and youth empowerment through sport across Papua New Guinea.

Representing 13 provinces and a range of community sports programs, the recipients will receive funding to promote inclusive participation, gender equality, disability inclusion, peacebuilding and youth leadership.

More than 100 applications were received from registered and unregistered sports organizations, community groups and individuals nationwide, with the winners selected by an independent committee.

Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald said the Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting positive social change through sport.

“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, and Australia is proud to invest in sport in Papua New Guinea at all levels and further strengthen the Aus-PNG Partnership.”

Manager for Sports, Youth and Civic Engagement at the National Capital District Commission, Christopher Topa, who served on the independent selection advisory panel, congratulated the recipients and acknowledged the impact of community-led sporting programs across the country.

Meanwhile, Sophia Soli from Center For Future Nau thanked the Australian Government for the support, saying the organization plans to use table tennis as a safe and inclusive platform for women, girls and out-of-school youth to discuss gender-based violence.

The Pilai Long Stap Wantaim Fund adds to existing PNG-Australia sporting partnerships including Team Up, PacificAus Sports, Play for Equity, the PNG Chiefs and the upcoming Pacific Rugby League Partnership.