2012 PNG Games begins

By Paeope Ovasuru and Grace Tiden

THE 5th PNG Grassroots Games begins today with a colourful and spectacular opening ceremony set to kick-start 10 days of sporting activities. The games will be officially opened by the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

Team AROB takes centre stage

He is scheduled to arrive in the morning and officiate at the opening ceremony which will be held at the new Kokopo Sports Grounds. And like all big events in the country, there will be so much fanfare and activities for the people of Kokopo.

Lined up in the opening ceremony were activities like traditional dancing, musical entertainment from the best musicians of ENB, and performances by school children and church groups.

Among the dignitaries attending the opening ceremony were PNG Sports Federation & Olympic Committee secretary general Auvita Rapilla, PNG Sports Foundation chief executive officer Iammo Launa, Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko, vice sports minister Labi Amaiu, National Capital district Governor Powes Parkop, Morobe Governor Kelly Naru and Governor of the host province Ereman ToBaining Jr.

Organising committees have been working around the clock to put finishing touches to the venues, do last minute checks on equipments that will be used and putting in place draws for all the codes.

The town has been receiving visitors, athletes, officials, technical staff and people from the sporting community, the media and the government since last weekend.

Nearly all teams have been sending players and team officials in batches and some teams have confirmed that the last lot of athletes were still making their way into ENB and will be arriving today and tomorrow.

Hosts Team ENB have the highest number of players and team officials, totaling over 600 followed by Team AROB with 540 and Team NCD with 500.

The HOC Protocol and Ceremonies subcommittee members have been making sure teams were welcomed at the airport and transported to their various accommodation venues.

However, the only team that has not confirmed its participation is Team Enga.

Teams that were already in the province have been undergoing training in selected sporting venues.