The first contingent of Team PNG athletes and officials landed at Henderson International Airport in Honiara, Solomon Islands yesterday, Monday 13th November at 11:50am local time.
The team was led by the Chef de Mission, Faye-Zina Lalo and was received warmly by the Papua New Guinea High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Moses Kaul.
Lalo and one of the Flag Bearers, Ramona Padio were the first to be greeted by the High Commissioner upon their arrival. They were among 119 athletes and officials who made the two hours flight over.
Lalo said that PNG, as the bigger nation in the Pacific, is pleased to be part of the Games this year and help to make it a success through their participation.
“Like the other nations at the Games this year, we will be doing our very best and we hope to finish high on the medal tally,” she said.
Padio who is the captain of the women’s football team, will be defending their gold medal from the last Pacific Games in Samoa while also aiming for their sixth consecutive title. She said she is confident in her team and will be working hard to achieve their goal.
Also, in the welcome party were senior members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary who are on operations in Honiara. With them was former PNG Kumul five eight and 2015 Pacific Games rugby league 9s gold medalist, Ase Boas.
The teams will use this week to settle in and do their final training and preparations before the competitions begin. The Games Opening Ceremony will be held on 19th November at the National Stadium in Honiara.
There is a lot of support through encouraging messages, logistical assistance and kind gestures from the local people and it is helping the team settle in well.
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