Kina Bank is proud to support the expansion of Papua New Guinea’s weightlifter Dika Toua’s weightlifting gym through its Strongim Komuniti Grant (SKG) program.
The SKG program is a Kina Bank initiative that reflects the bank’s commitment to sustainability and community development. It is exclusively available to Kina Bank employees, who can apply for quarterly grants to deliver small but impactful community projects.
Through this program, Kina Bank Human Resources Business Partner Elisha Bird successfully secured a grant to provide roofing sheets and cement bags for Dika Toua’s gym expansion.
“This gym is where our weightlifting champions are made. I applied for the grant because I believe in supporting initiatives that give young people a chance to succeed. By helping expand this facility, we’re not just providing roofing and cement; we’re creating space for talent, discipline, and national pride to grow. I’m proud that Kina Bank can play a part in this journey,” Ms. Bird said.
Located in Hanubada village, NCD, the gym is home to PNG’s most celebrated weightlifters Dika Toua, Steven Kari, Thelma Toua, and their development squad. For many years, these athletes have trained under the Toua family home, building the facility from their own resources.
“We’ve never received support for expansion before. The gym was slowly built by us over the years. We have so many aspiring athletes who train here daily, some as young as five,” said Ms. Toua.
“With your support, we were able to extend the roofing and add more cement to enlarge the training area. This means we can better accommodate our development squad, which includes 15 girls, 14 boys, and 4 kids. Thank you so much, Kina Bank, for recognising our need and supporting us. This is the first time we’ve received help for the gym, and it means so much that you care about our sport and the conditions we train in to represent our country. Your support brings us closer to my vision of developing more elite athletes for international and regional competitions,” she added.
Since its launch in 2023, Kina Bank’s SKG program has supported a range of community projects across PNG, including the provision of water tanks to schools, reading and learning materials, medical supplies for rural communities, school furniture, and solar power installations at health facilities.
Strongim Komuniti Grant applicant Ms. Elisha Bird (second from right) and Kina Bank Chief of Staff Mackhenly Kaiok (left) join PNG weightlifters Dika and Thelma Toua, along with members of the development squad, for a photo at the gym.