Family, health focus behind Fun Run launch

The theme of this year’s Trukai Fun Run is ‘Protect your family and eat healthy’, with the celebrated event officially launched in Port Moresby yesterday.

A major fundraiser for the PNG Olympic committee, the 2016 Fun Run will take place on June 26 in multiple  locations across the country. Official 2016 Fun Run T-shirts will be sold by Trukai Industries prior to the event, with proceeds from sales helping to fund the PNG Olympic Team’s Rio Games campaign.

The message focused on health comes courtesy of the Cancer Foundation, which was represented at the launch by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s wife, Lady Lynda Babao-O’Neill.

“The PNG Cancer Foundation is determined to create a greater awareness in our communities that cancer can  be prevented,” said Lady Babao-O’Neill.

“We are grateful to the PNG Olympic Committee and Trukai Industries for having the Cancer Foundation  message as part of their event.”

Now in its 33rd year, the Trukai Fun Run has grown to become the nation’s biggest sporting event, with more  than 50,000 people taking part in 2015.

Trukai Industries have been onboard for more than half that time, and will this year mark their 17th year as the  major sponsor of the event.

Speaking at the launch, President of the PNG Olympic Committee, Sir John Dawanincura, said the support of  PNG’s major rice producer is invaluable.

“The funds raised by Trukai will help our athletes to achieve their dreams of competing at the Olympics,” he said.

“Some have previously competed while others will step into the arena for the first time and join the elite group

of PNG athletes that have represented their country at this level.”

PNG athletes Linda Pulson (power lifting) and Ryan Pinni (swimming) were among the guests to attend the launch.