Let the Papua New Guinea Provincial Games Begin

More than 400 athletes that make up Team Eastern Highlands have shown a positive spirit of self-reliance by bringing their own food for the 4th PNG National Games in Port Moresby

In a country where more than eight hundred plus languages and over a thousands cultures, sports can bring Papua New Guineans together. The provincial games in Port Moresby this week is a testimony of the incredible abilities Papua New Guineans have to offer in terms of sports.

The provincial games opens up opportunities for the neglected people in the small remote villages to travel to the big smoke and showcase their talents. There are talents hidden in these villages and it needs to be exposed so that Papua New Guinea can get something out of it.

Gerehu Secondary students amaze the 8000-plus athletes and spectators during the opening ceremony of the fourth PNG Games to be held in Port Moresby

Evidently, this wil become an annual event, I urge that there must be preparations in advance to avoid chaos and frustrations toward the last minute. Papua New Guineans are known for doing things the 'PNG way' but during this era, we got to change our mindsets to go with the rest of the world if we really want to get things done on time.

The provincial teams need to have prior fundraising activities and seek donations from people who are willing to help to avoid further financial constraints. On the same token, Air Niugini flight schedules should be done accordingly so that it can cater for athletes from other provinces to fly to Port Moresby.

Games begin … The 2009 PNG Games got off to a colourful start at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday. More than 6,000 athletes and officials packed the stadium for the opening ceremony, which includedtraditional dances and a spectacular fireworks display. Pictured is Team Bougainville marching into the stadium

I hope that incidents happened last week leading to the games will be minimized in the years ahead. May the best team win. Go Team WHP!In front of an expectant sea of athletes and a throng of onlookers at this year’s PNG Games opening ceremony yesterday special guest and four-time New York wheelchairmarathon winner Kurt Fearnley called for friendship, kindness and generosity to exist amongst sportsmen and women