The inaugural OTDF Kiunga Fun Run was hailed a success by the organisers, sponsors and participants alike. Running enthusiasts as well as first time runners from Kiunga and Tabubil joined in the fun run.
Initiated by the Ok Tedi Development Foundation with the support from Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), the Kiunga Fun Run, under the theme “Run for a Sustainable Future” brought Business Houses, Organisations and Government Agencies in the North Fly District together for a worthy cause.
The event was organised to raise funds for the Kiunga General Hospital whilst raising awareness on wellbeing and promoting WestAgro as a new sustainable way forward for the Province.
The Sponsors of the event included BNG Trading Company Limited, TKI Limited, Unique Hardware (Kiunga), Tommy Transport Limited, Digicel PNG, Horizon Oil (Papua) Limited, Puma Energy, WP Construction Limited, Western Fixers, Bank South Pacific, Ok Tedi Power Limited, JV Port Services, Starwest, Middle Fly Investments Limited, Nanai Brothers, Tutuwe Ara Women’s Association, Middle Fly Women’s Association and Nim Ara Women’s Association.
In excess of PGK50,000 was raised during the event, earning a net return of over PGK20,000.
The funds will be used to purchase colour coded waste bins and hospital lighting equipment for Kiunga Hospital as requested by Dr. Kaptigau Asael, as well as supporting a first model vanilla family farmer plot under WestAgro.
OTDF’s executive manager for corporate services, Mr Michael Apollo thanked all the sponsors for their generosity and the organisers and all the participants for their support during the event.
Kiunga Secondary School (KSS) provided the most number of student volunteers who complimented OTDF and LBL staff to serve as marshals.
Members of the PNG Defence Force Forward Base stationed at Kiunga also took the lead in the mentoring, coaching, providing moral support and extra security for the day.
Standing alongside their comrades, the Kiunga Police also contributed by managing traffic and providing an escort.
The event included the more athletic 10 kilometre run and the family friendly 5 kilometre distances.
The North Fly MP, Hon James Donald officially started and took part in the 10 kilometre leg. He also spoke after the event inspiring everyone to be healthy and physically fit.
OTML sent a team from Tabubil led by the Community Relations Manager, Mr. Kuam Sanewai, who is also a director on the OTDF Board; he also took on the 10km run. 19 participants received awards including special recognition to a person with disability. Medals and cash prizes were given to the fastest 3 males, females and youths for each distance.
The Fun Run Committee vowed to make the next year’s event bigger and more inclusive, hoping to double the 300 runners that participated this year. “Everyone had fun”.
OTDF actively supports programs and projects that promote health and well-being in the community.