PNG Sports Professionals Network officially launched.

The Papua New Guinea Sports Professionals Network (PNGSPN) was officially launched on Friday, 17 July 2026, at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, marking the beginning of a new national platform dedicated to connecting, developing, and empowering the people behind sport in Papua New Guinea.

Founded by Mrs. Auvita Rapilla and Alex Davani, the Network has been established to bring together sports administrators, coaches, officials, executives, educators, sports scientists, medical professionals, volunteers and other practitioners who contribute to Papua New Guinea’s sporting system.

PNGSPN has been created to foster greater connection, knowledge sharing, leadership and collaboration across the sporting sector at a time when Papua New Guinea is entering what many believe will be a defining decade for sport.

Speaking at the launch, PNGSPN Chair and International Olympic Committee Member, Mrs Auvita Rapilla said the Network had been created to strengthen the people behind sport and ensure they were better connected to seize the opportunities ahead.

“Papua New Guinea is entering a golden decade for sport. With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, PNG NRL franchise, and many regional and international opportunities ahead, this is the right time to invest not only in our athletes, but also in the people who lead, manage and support sport.”

Mrs Rapilla said the Network was built around four guiding principles: Connection, Capability, Knowledge Sharing and Enablement.

“The PNG Sports Professionals Network exists to uplift the people behind Papua New Guinea sport. It is about connecting and uplift the administrators, coaches, officials, managers, educators, sports science and medical professionals, volunteers and leaders whose work makes sporting success possible. When we strengthen the people behind sport, we strengthen sport itself.”

Mrs Rapilla acknowledged the contribution of the PNGSPN Steering Committee and thanked the organisations that had supported the establishment of the Network.

“This Network has been built through collaboration. I would like to sincerely thank my fellow Steering Committee members, Alex Davani and Milton Kisapai, whose commitment, strategic thinking and hard work have helped turn this vision into reality.”

“I also extend my sincere appreciation to our founding partners – the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee, IBS University, the Australian High Commission and Theodist. Your support has been instrumental in helping establish this Network, and we look forward to continuing these partnerships as we grow.”

The launch was welcomed by Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee President, Mrs Emma Waiwai, who said the Network complemented PNGOC’s long-standing commitment to developing people across the sporting movement.

“Strong teams are built on strong organisations, and strong organisations are built by capable people. The PNG Sports Professionals Network provides an important platform for sports administrators and professionals to connect, share knowledge, learn from one another and continue building their capability across the sporting system.”

Mrs Waiwai said the coming decade represented a significant opportunity for Papua New Guinea sport.

“Realising these opportunities will require collaboration across the entire sporting sector. No single organisation can do this alone. By bringing people together across sports, the Network will strengthen our sporting system and ultimately contribute to stronger performances for Team PNG and for sport throughout Papua New Guinea.”

The Network will initially bring sports professionals together through three core engagement streams: Leadership Conversations, Connect & Share knowledge sessions and Networking Events – providing opportunities to build relationships, exchange practical experience and collaborate across Papua New Guinea’s sporting
sector.

PNGSPN also announced its founding agenda, which includes a national leadership conversation on How Sport Can Shape the Next 50 Years of Papua New Guinea, an industry forum on The Business of Sport in Papua New Guinea, and the inaugural PNG Sports Forum, planned for 2027.

The Network is open to those working in and around sport in Papua New Guinea. Those interested will have opportunities to attend events, contribute ideas, share knowledge, mentor others and help shape the future direction of the Network.

The PNG Sports Professionals Network website is now live and will serve as the Network’s central hub for news, events, membership information and future activities.

Media Enquiries
Papua New Guinea Sports Professionals Network
Email: hello@pngsportsnetwork.com