Port Moresby, November 27 2008: Digicel, the fastest growing mobile network in the Pacific, is sponsoring the PNG team competing at the 2008 Pacific Schools Games in Australia.

Following on from Digicel’s backing of disabled sports in PNG, which culminated in Francis Kompaon’s unprecedented silver medal win at the Beijing Paralympics earlier this year, the Digicel-supported “Kompaon’s of the future” will test themselves against the region’s best next week.

Francis Kompaon and Digicel PNG Head of Customer Care Rizsa Miguel presented the Digicel Pacific Schools Games team with their kit and tickets to Australia, before departure on November 28.

Francis Kompaon said

“Best wishes to the PNG team. I’ll be keeping in touch with them while they are in Australia, and am hoping to hear about medals being won throughout the competition. Let’s bring some Gold back to PNG.”

Risza Miguel added

“Digicel has supported disabled athletes since the company launched in PNG, and continues to do so. The whole nation is immensely proud of what out Paralympics team achieved in Beijing, and looks forward to more success in the future. Digicel supports those who might not otherwise have an opportunity to compete at an international level, and hopes to see these athletes develop and progress all the way to the London Paralympics in 2012.”

Three athletes comprise the Digicel PNG Pacific Schools Games team. They are:

Isaiah Elian from Milne Bay province, who will compete in the T40 class in the Javelin, Discus and Shot Putt; and Daisley Korai, from NCD, who will compete in the same field events in the female categories.

The third athlete is Joyleen Jeffrey from East Sepik. She competed at the Beijing Paralympics alongside Francis Kompaon, and although unsuccessful on that occasion, is hopeful that the experience gained in China will be of benefit, ahead of the competition in Australia next week.

“I was in the Birds Nest stadium when Francis won his silver medal back in September, and was proud to be just a few meters away when PNG was presented with its first ever Olympic medal. I hope that I can do my country proud in Australia.” Joyleen said.

PNG Paralympics President Bernard Chan is travelling with the team. He thanked Digicel PNG for its ongoing support:

“In the three months since Francis Kompaon made history for PNG, we have worked to keep the Paralympic flame alive. Joyleen, Daisley and Isaiah are the athletes for the future, and we are hoping these Schools Games will be good preparation ahead of the London 2012 Paralympics. We want to thank Digicel for its full sponsorship the team’s trip to Australia, and a mention also to Airnuigini which waived the flight fare for the three athletes.”

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ABOUT DIGICEL

Since its launch in the South Pacific in November 2006, Digicel has become the fastest-growing mobile operator in the Pacific, with current operations in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, as well as Papua New Guinea. The company has commitments from several other countries in the Pacific.

Digicel has contributed to the 0.7% growth to the GDP[1] of Papua New Guinea since its launch as the second mobile operator on July 20, 2007.

Digicel is the largest operator in the Caribbean operating in 23 markets and rolling out new operations in Central America. The company is renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, and superior customer care, a wide variety of products and services, and state-of-the-art handsets.

Digicel is proud sponsor of several national rugby teams across the South Pacific including; Fiji Rugby, Digicel Fiji Sevens, Digicel Pacific Islanders Rugby Team and the Digicel Pukpuks. For more information, please visit www.digicelpacific.com.

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[1] GDP is the total market values of goods and services produced by workers and capital within the country during a given period (usually one year).