A pioneer of touch football in Papua New Guinea has passed away at the Port Moresby General Hospital on May 30 at age 67.

Mr. Joseph Yore originally from Central and Enga provinces was the founding president of Touch Football PNG, first holding the role from 1983 to 1996 and returning for a second term from 2009 to 2011.

His contribution to the sport spanned over four decades, both as a player and coach, and later as an advisor.

He represented PNG with pride at the 1988 Touch World Cup in Gold Coast, 1991 in Auckland, and 1995 in Hawaii – playing an incredible 67 World Cup games for our country.

As a coach, Mr Yore led the PNG Senior Women’s Team to a fifth-place finish at the 1995 World Cup in Hawaii, one of the country’s best results in the sport.

He later guided the national Mixed Team to bronze medals at the 2006 Pacific Games in Samoa and the Mini Games in the Cook Islands.

Following his retirement from active competition, Mr Yore remained involved in the sport as a senior advisor.

He played a key role in PNG’s historic performance at the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby, where the country secured gold in the Men’s and Women’s Open Divisions and silver in the Mixed Open Division.

He formally retired from the sport after that event.

Outside of sports, Mr Yore was a graduate accountant from the University of Technology.

He served in senior management roles at Water PNG for more than 20 years before retiring in 2023.

He is survived by his wife, seven children and eleven grandchildren.

His elderest daughter Vavine Yore said Mr Yore was widely respected as a humble leader, mentor and father to many.

“He touched countless lives, mentored many, and walked the talk of a God-fearing, family-loving, nation-building man” she said.

“He was a gentle giant; slow to anger, strong in faith, and generous in heart” she added.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced; family and friends can contact late Mr Yore’s children Vavine and April Yore on 73962633, 78354577 and 82387552, for updates and support. The Haus Cry (wake) is at his family residence at Ensisi Valley, Port Moresby.