PNG Government announces K10 million funding for FIFA U-20 Women's World

PNG Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill  has announced funding of 10 million Kina to be allocated to support the hosting of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2016, and a further 2 million Kina to train the national team in the lead-up to the event.

While most of the funding for the tournament will be met by FIFA, Papua New Guinea’s contribution will be for infrastructure and support elements and will be spent in Papua New Guinea and generate local jobs. The allocation for training the national team will be further supported by corporate sponsorship for a further anticipated one million Kina.The Papua New Guinea funding will be provided by the National Gaming Control Board and will leave a lasting sporting and community infrastructure legacy following the tournament. The success of the tournament will also be a significant promotional tool Papua New Guinea tourism and investment around the world.

The Prime Minister made the announcement at a meeting with the FIFA Senior Vice President and President of the Oceania Football Conference, Mr David Chung OBE, who provided a briefing on the logistical requirements for hosting of the U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2016.

“Additional facilities will be upgraded to host the tournament at our training facilities and stadiums in Lae and Kokopo,” PM O’Neill said.

“After the FIFA event these facilities will be used for other major sporting tournaments in coming years, and for ongoing national sport and recreation. This includes domestic football competitions and activities to promote youth sporting engagement.

“Sport is an international industry in which many other countries and Papua New guinea must tap into this global market.

“Sport is also part of a community development agenda that encourages healthy youth and families. One of the important outcomes from developing these sporting facilities is that they will be used for decades to come to ensure encourage healthy lifestyles.”

PM O’Neill said the benefits of hosting the U-20 Women’s World Cup outweigh the challenges and will be another demonstration of Papua New Guinea’s emerging place in world forums.

“In political, cultural and sporting forums, Papua New Guinea is engaging at a high level that is further adding to economic development and improving way of life.

“There are a number of direct benefits that come from an international competition such as the U-20 Women’s World Cup such as tourist promotion.

“Associated media coverage of the sporting events also showcase Papua New Guinea as an evolving economy that is for business. “In running a successful tournament, that is promoted around the world, provides greater insight into our country and our infrastructure.”

Teams from 16 countries will be take part in the tournament drawn from the 6 confederations that make up global football. These will be four teams of European countries, two teams from Oceania countries including Papua New Guinea, three from the Caribbean and North America, three Asian countries and two from South America and two from Africa.