Governor Chan supports AFPNG with K100,000 to run the AFL Program in New Ireland Province

New Ireland Governor, the Honorable Byron Chan, pledged K100,000 to the Australian Football League (Aussie Rules) Papua New Guinea to deliver the Smart Start Niukick AFL Development Program and other initiatives in New Ireland Province.

Governor Chan announced the funding support today (June 30th) at Port Moresby AFL competition’s Colts Oval, aiming to collaborate with AFLPNG to revive the Australian sport in the province.

Honorable Chan explained that the funding component would be divided into two categories: “We are here to present our K100,000 commitment to AFLPNG - K50,000 is towards the development program, and K50,000 is towards the competitions in New Ireland.

“I am very proud to be here amongst the AFLPNG officials to make this announcement. We are creating opportunities for our young athletes in New Ireland to get involved in the sport (AFL).” 

AFLPNG Commissioner Moses Kar thanked Governor Chan for his support and mentioned that his late father, Sir Julius Chan, previously supported the sport in the province.

“On behalf of the AFLPNG Board, I would like to thank Governor Chan for supporting the AFLPNG with K100,000,” Kar said.  

“We did not expect it, but thank you very much for your support. I understand the late Sir Julius Chan did support AFL in New Ireland, so you are not wrong to support AFL.”

Mr. Kar said that as a result of the provincial government’s support, it has produced talents like David Topeni, the current umpiring director, and other talents in the province. 

AFLPNG Development Committee Chairman Ekoni Peni also acknowledged Governor Chan and the New Ireland Provincial Government for their support and partnership with the code’s national body.

“On behalf of the AFLPNG Development Program, which is the body that is in charge of developing young boys and girls in the country to represent PNG through the Mosquitoes, Binatangs, Kurakums, and Flames, I want to thank Governor Chan for his support,” Peni said.

“Thank you for the heart you have in providing the support to the AFLPNG development program, including the seniors. With this kind of support, it will go a long way in contributing to AFL’s growth in the country.” 

Mr. Peni urged other governors across the country, especially the AFL playing regions, to support and partner with the national body in developing the code in their districts and provinces, as well as at the community level. 

AFLPNG Business Manager Freda Keene thanked the Hon. Chan for his support and presented an AFLPNG polo shirt to the Governor as a token of appreciation. AFLPNG looks forward to working together to develop the sport in the province.   

The late Sir Julius Chan, the former governor and one of PNG's Founding Fathers, initiated the AFL concept in New Ireland in the 1980s. When his son (Byron) assumed the governor's seat in the by-election this year, one of Chan’s priorities was to revive AFL in the province to continue his father's legacy.

Beyond AFL, Governor Byron Chan and the New Ireland Provincial Government have partnered with the PNG Rugby Football League, PNG Kickboxing Federation, AFLPNG, and other sporting federations, creating opportunities for New Ireland athletes to develop, excel, and further their careers at the national level and abroad.