Pilai Long Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund launched in Papua New Guinea

The Pilai Long Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund has been launched with support from the Australian Government to strengthen community development and youth empowerment through sport in Papua New Guinea. 

The Fund aims to strengthen community-led sports initiatives, empower young people, and create inclusive spaces where diverse communities can thrive together. By supporting innovative, community-driven initiatives, Pilai Long Stap Wantaim seeks to promote gender equality, disability inclusion, peacebuilding, and youth leadership with ideals centred in community activism.  

Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor, Ms Elizabeth Le Bas says that the fund will be a game changer for creating opportunities. 

“Sport has long played an important role in bringing people together in Papua New Guinea, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for young people. Through the Pilai Long Stap Wantaim Fund, the Australian Government is proud to support local leaders, athletes and community groups who drive positive change and foster unity across the country through sport,” she said. 

The Fund is open to registered and unregistered sports organisations and clubs in PNG, community groups with a focus on sport development, individual athletes, coaches and volunteers with a proven track record, as well as schools with sports programs and non-governmental or civil society organisations working in sport for development and which support local initiatives, and innovative community-driven solutions.  

Individually led initiatives may apply for K3,000 to K10,000 funding. Whilst community, groups and organizations can apply for K10,000 to K30,000 grant from the Pilai Long Stap Wantaim Fund. 

Special consideration will be given to initiatives in rural or remote areas, projects that advance gender equality, peace building and inclusion and youth-led or youth-focused activities supporting marginalised groups.  

The Pilai Long Stap Wantaim Fund represents a new opportunity for Papua New Guinea communities to drive positive change through sport and strengthen local communities.