Raising the Bar: Team PNG launches high‑performance plan with Australian support

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) launched Team PNG Unleashed, a comprehensive 2026–2032 High-Performance Strategy, to power PNG’s endeavor towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and beyond.

The Australian Government supported the development of the Strategy through its PacificAus Sports partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), Paralympics Australia (PA), and the Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA).

Team PNG Unleashed is the activation of Pillar Two – Perform – of the PNGOC’s overarching 2032 Powered by Purpose Strategic Plan. Developed through McLaughlin Sport Consultancy, the strategy provides a blueprint for Papua New Guinea’s high-performance sport system from 2026 through to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane.

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Ewen McDonald, expressed his excitement for the opportunities that the strategy creates.

“The Australian Government is proud to support the development of Team PNG’s high-performance strategy and further elevate their preparations for Brisbane 2032,” Commissioner McDonald said. 

“These Games will be for the region, and we are excited to see Team PNG’s athletes performing at the highest level and inspiring their nation.”

Ms. Emma Waiwai, President of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee, thanked the Australian Government and the Australian Olympic Committee for their partnership.

“Team PNG Unleashed is our commitment to doing the hard work – so that when our athletes step onto the world's biggest stages, they are ready,” Ms. Waiwai said.  

“We are grateful to the Australian Government and the Australian Olympic Committee for seeing that vision and helping us bring it to life.”

The strategy’s development followed extensive consultation across the PNG high-performance sport ecosystem, including the PNG Sports Foundation (High-Performance Sport PNG and the National Sports Institute), National Federations, Team PNG athletes, coaches, medical sporting professionals, performance support personnel, and team officials.

This collaborative foundation ensures that Team PNG Unleashed reflects the collective ambition of Papua New Guinea’s sporting community.