The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and IBS University (IBSU) have strengthened their shared commitment to community development through an initiative that bridges education and sports. Last week saw the two organizations celebrate this collaboration by announcing the winners of the 2024 IBSU Scholarships, drawn from indemnity forms submitted by participants of the Trukai Fun Run which was held in July. A total of five individuals were awarded scholarships including Rickilah Wura, Everlyn Gumabugo, Veivei John, Essie Vartom from Port Moresby and Delailah Dilyndiwi from Lae. These scholarships will fund six-month programs at IBSU, offering certificate-level courses in accounting, business, information technology, and human resource management. PNGOC Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu commended IBSU’s ongoing support, stating that IBSU has been an outstanding partner in their efforts to prepare athletes for life after sports through their athlete excellence program which provides scholarships to Team PNG athletes. “We would also like to acknowledge their ongoing support and commitments to help fundraise for Team PNG, particularly through the Trukai Fun Run.” “These scholarships are a demonstration to their commitment to education and development through sports in Papua New Guinea which is accessible to the general participating public at the annual Trukai Fun Run event.” Similarly, IBSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Ramachandran Arunachalam, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the university’s dedication to nation-building. “IBSU is committed to empowering Papua New Guineans through education and sports. We are proud to provide these five scholarships to Trukai Fun Run participants, alongside the 20 scholarships we offer annually to Team PNG athletes.” In addition to the scholarships, PNGOC's long-time partner, Theodist Business Superstore, and the Trukai Fun Run’s main sponsor, Trukai Industries Limited, sponsored lucky door prizes to five participants including Dorothy N'Dromoi, Ivan Kora, Mali Kanaba, and Benny Mitaroa from Port Moresby, and Miriam Geyatulu from Lae. The Trukai Fun Run remains a pivotal event in promoting support for Team PNG, national health and movement, advancing educational and athletic pursuits, and inspiring the engagement and development of youth throughout Papua New Guinea. PNGOC remains committed in its dedication to cultivating partnerships, such as the collaboration with IBSU, to forge opportunities that empower the future leaders and athletes of our nation.