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PNG’s Head Hunter fires up support for team PNG at Fun Run Auction in Lae
The spirit of generosity and national pride soared today in Lae as organizations rallied to raise funds for team PNG at the 2025 Trukai Fun Run Auctions.
Held at the Lae International Hotel, this annual fundraising witnessed a thrilling bidding battle, securing a monumental K150, 000 for Team PNG.
The auction gained momentum with the presence of PNG’s very own Head Hunter, Stanley Nandex, the renowned local and international kickboxing champion.
This incredible outpouring of support will directly fuel Team PNG's journey to the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, set to ignite from June 29 to July 9. The funds raised are crucial for covering vital expenses, including travel, uniforms, accommodation, and logistics, ensuring our athletes are fully equipped to shine on the international stage.
The bidding was intense, as business houses vied for T’shirts to support 20 schools in Lae. The top five bidders were; Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Papindo Trading Company Ltd, Raumai 18 Ltd, NKW Catering and LCA.
The Trukai Fun Run stands as Papua New Guinea's largest and most iconic fundraising and mass participation event. Every T-shirt sale is a direct investment in the dreams of Team PNG athletes, providing the essential resources they need to proudly represent our nation.
For the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, Papua New Guinea's talented athletes will compete across nine of the twelve sports: Athletics, Basketball 3x3, Swimming, Va'a (Outrigger Canoeing), Table Tennis, Indoor Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Softball, and Weightlifting.
Mr. Andrew Grace, Head of Trukai Industries Limited, applauded the steadfast commitment of the Lae business community and reaffirmed Trukai’s long term partnership with PNGOC. "Our 25-year partnership with the PNG Olympic Committee reflects our shared commitment to promoting health, fitness, and national pride through sport," stated Mr. Grace. "The Trukai Fun Run Auctions are an important part of that, and we are proud to help take Team PNG to Palau."
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Tony Green, Senior Vice President of the PNG Olympic Committee, expressed profound gratitude for Trukai's enduring support. "We thank Trukai Industries for standing by Team PNG and the PNGOC for 25 years. Their unwavering support has enabled our athletes to proudly represent the nation, and it continues to make a real impact as we head into the Pacific Mini Games in Palau."
Tonight’s auction marks one of two major fundraising triumphs hosted by Trukai Industries in 2025, following the successful auction event held in Port Moresby on May 23.
The PNG Olympic Committee and Trukai Industries extend their heartfelt appreciation to the invaluable Trukai Fun Run sponsors: Air Niugini, Theodist, IBS University, Trophy Haus, and CPL Group. Their generous contributions are vital to the success of the entire 2025 Fun Run campaign.
These dedicated partners will also play a crucial role in the highly anticipated nationwide Trukai Fun Run event on Sunday, June 22. This event will unite communities simultaneously across 10 locations: Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Mt. Hagen, Goroka, Kokopo, Kimbe, Popondetta, Alotau, and Vanimo.
Adding a touch of fun and promoting healthy living, the Fun Run t-shirt design also features Trukai Industries’ beloved superheroes of nutrition, Tru and Kai. These vibrant characters are also the stars of two engaging publications produced by Trukai Industries in partnership with Buk bilong Pikinini. These superheroes champion the vital message of healthy eating and active lifestyles, inspiring young Papua New Guineans to embrace a healthy lifestyle.
