Pacific Games

Greeted by a 21 gun salute, he was received by Acting Governor General and Parliament speaker Theodore Zurenuoc, foreign affairs Minister Rimbink Pato, Sports and Pacific Games Minister Justin Tkatchenko, NCD Governor Powes Parkop and other government dignitaries.

In a short ceremony, the Duke inspected the guard of honor before heading to the Airways hotel.

The prince is here on invitation by the PNG government to open the XV Pacific Games on Saturday July 4th.

The golden girl of PNG weightlifting arrived back in the country this afternoon from New Caledonia after spending the last three months training at the Weightlifting Institute there.

Toua will be competing in the 53kg weight division and said she is “definitely going for gold” but expects a strong challenge from Australia and New Zealand female weightlifters.

“I will be doing my best and let the result come.”

Team manageress Fehoko Tuivai who accompanied his men and women team who arrived today in Port Moresby said “it is their first time in the Pacific Games and (they are) looking forward to enjoy the game.”

Tuivai said she does not have any expectations for her team but wants the players to gain the valuable experience on offer.

Tonga’s touch team will be represented by nine female and eight men who will be competing in the men, women and mixed divisions.    

Takau pulled a  rabbit out of the hat and dropped the challenge to other Pacific nations on arrival this afternoon in Port Moresby.

He added that his contingent is a young team and they are positive they will do well.

Tonga’s national flag will be represented in the XV Pacific Games by 108 athletes who will be taking part in 19 sporting codes out of the 28 games to be played.

According to the national federation, they do not want their athletes to worry about raising money but concentrate on performance only.

Each athlete was levied $1650 and sports such as touch rugby did not make the cut while volleyball was rescued in the last minute.

Athletics Fiji development officer Joseph Rodan Junior explained was hey did it.

“In the era or amateurism that most minor sports fall under, the biggest challenge for any federation is financial support.

Tabakaucoro has to run in nine events over five days and this includes the heats of the 100m, the 200m and the 4x100m.

He never has had to run these many races over a continuous five day period but the man who all will be watching in PNG is ready.

“This is the first time I will be competing over five days, maximum I have done is three days. With extra days, I really have to be running smart in all my races," he said.

On hand were army, police and C.S officers.

According to venue officers, the tour will coincide with today’s venue opening on site.

Games Operations commander David Manning says that all venues are progressing in terms of security and that all units are set to roll out operations pending their venues being launched.

Meanwhile, all venue commanders have been briefed and are now in the implementation process of their duties.

It is headed by Chef de Mission Eileen Nangan, who said they are ready for the games and have prepared well to challenge the other Pacific Island countries.

“Like all other Pacific Island countries, we all want to go back not empty handed but with pride and happiness and Team Vanuatu will be one of the teams that will be aiming for medals during this game,” she said.

She said the advance  team are here to see for themselves the preparation and also get the feel of the atmosphere and the spirit of the games in the country. 

This was stated by Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee president Joe Rodan.

Team Fiji will be sending 453 athletes represented in 25 sports.

According to local journalist Anasilini Ratuva, the country is hoping to collect medals in rugby 7s, athletics, netball, soccer, weightlifting, powerlifting, swimming, volleyball, table tennis and Va'a.

Cook Islands coach Alister Stevic said the Cook Islanders though an amateur side have the potential to perform well during the week-long women’s cricket competition in the Pacific Games.

“You do your best as an amateur side. The girls continued training regularly since returning from Japan in 2014. The last 4 months has seen regular weekly dedication from the players including chalking up 3-4 early morning fitness sessions with the Team Manager Carlene Mapu and 3-4 evening training sessions with Coach Patiiamai Ataela,” Stevic said.