Papua New Guinea (PNG)
The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) achieved recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1974.
Its President is Sir John Dawanincura Kt. KBE and its Secretary General is Ms Auvita Rapilla.
The organisation has undergone several name changes as part of its evolution and growth since inception in 1961. It was originally named the British Empire and Commonwealth Games Association. In the 1970s, it became the Papua New Guinea Amateur Sports Federation then was shortened to Papua New Guinea Sports Federation.
It was later changed again to the Papua New Guinea Sports Federation and Olympic Committee and then to the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), its current name.
The PNGOC is the flagship of PNG sport development and international participation and has evolved from an organisation of committed volunteers to a large Secretariat of 18 staff to service members. It is the organisation mandated to select, prepare and lead athletes to the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games and the Pacific Games.
PNG British Empire and Commonwealth Games Association established.
PNGOC gains IOC recognition.
John Dawanincura becomes Secretary General of PNGOC and its first paid professional employee.
Hosts the South Pacific Games (now Pacific Games).
Best Olympic Moments
Papua New Guinea’s debut participation was at the Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada in 1976. Over the years, it has fielded 61 participants in a total of 8 sports. The country has not won an Olympic medal to date.