The annual Trukai Fun Run 2024 is not just another community event, but a crucial initiative that underscores the business sector's vital role in supporting national pride and athletic excellence.
The Fun Run took place on July 7 across ten locations in Papua New Guinea, with more than 1,000 participants in each location.
The Fun Run united communities under the inspiring theme "Our Steps, Their Dreams."
This year's event is particularly significant as it raises funds to support Team PNG on their journey to the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Co-hosted by the PNG Olympic Committee and Trukai Industries Limited, the Trukai Fun Run reached its aim to generate essential financial support through the sale of K20 Trukai Fun Run t-shirts.
All proceeds from these sales were directly contributed to Team PNG's Olympic preparation and participation.
The Trukai Fun Run is supported by Theodist, Coral Sea Hotels, Enzo’s Pizza, Trophy Haus, The National, CPL Group, Air Niugini, IBS University in Port Moresby and Vodafone.
Desmond Kaviagu, Secretary General of the PNG Olympic Committee, expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support from Trukai Industries Limited.
"We are immensely thankful to Trukai Industries Limited for their steadfast support, which has been instrumental in empowering our athletes to strive for excellence and represent Papua New Guinea on the global stage," Kaviagu stated.
Since 2000, Trukai Industries Limited has proudly sponsored the Trukai Fun Run, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to promoting sports, health, fitness, and national pride.
Alan Preston, CEO of Trukai Industries, highlighted the company's dedication to this cause.
“The Fun Run organizing committee and host partners in each of the participating locations have done a tremendous job selling the T-shirts,” he said.
The organizing committee anticipated 40,000 participants to attend the event on Sunday, July 7.
He added, "We would like to thank the host partners and support partners who have worked together with the committee to ensure this will be another successful Trukai Fun Run event.”
The event encouraged nationwide participation, with official Trukai Fun Run t-shirts available for purchase at designated locations in Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Biala 1 and Biala 2, Mt Hagen, Kokopo, Popondetta, Wewak and Goroka.
In Port Moresby, the Governor for the Nation’s Capital, Hon. Powes Parkop, donated K15,000 to the event and participated in the Fun Run.
The success of last month's t-shirt auctions in Port Moresby and Lae, which raised K277,500 through the sale of 11,100 t-shirts generously donated by Trukai, exemplifies the business community's commitment and generosity.
