Chinese Government provides AUD 250,000 grant to Kiribati for the Te Runga National Championship Games in 2023 (linked to Record ID#97322 and Record ID#92208)

On November 1, 2023, the Chinese Embassy in Kiribati held a handover ceremony for a cash grant of AUD 250,000 to Kiribati's Ministry of Women, Youth, Sports, and Social Affairs (MWYSSA) to support the 2023 Te Runga National Games.

As part of the grant distribution, each of Kiribati’s 22 outer islands will receive AUD 10,000, while Tarawa, the capital, will receive AUD 30,000. Additionally, the Embassy donated a batch of sports gear to the MWYSSA (see Record ID#107425).

During the ceremony, MWYSSA Minister Martin Moreti expressed gratitude for China’s continued support, stating, “This funding will ensure the smooth operation and implementation of Te Runga, allowing essential services to be delivered efficiently and effectively to the 23 participating island teams currently residing in Tarawa and Betio.” The Te Runga National Championship Games is a multi-sport event held every two years, featuring various athletic competitions, including the Kiribati National Championship football tournament.

Since reestablishing diplomatic ties with Kiribati in 2019, China has consistently sponsored the event, providing an AUD 250,000 grant for the 2019 and 2021 games (see Record ID#97322 and #92208).