PORT MORESBY, 03 JUNE 2015 (PACNEWS) --- Athletes from 22 Pacific Island Countries and Territories competing at the Pacific Games were welcomed in a flag raising ceremony held at the Games village in Port Moresby.
Photos of the flag raising ceremony
Participating teams marched from the junction of the University of Papua new Guinea to the Games Village led by the PNG Defence Force band.
For Fiji, it was an emotional occasion because it will be the last time athletes stand in front of the Fiji flag before planned changes at the end of the year.
Welcoming the athletes, head of the Games Organising Committee (GOC) Ema Waiwai said Papua New Guinea was privileged to be hosting almost 3,000 athletes from 22 Pacific Island Countries and Territories.
“A special welcome to the team from Australia and NZ who for the first time are part of our Games. I am confident that your teams will enjoy their stay here.
“The village is designed to provide your athletes an environment to compete at their very best. We are here to serve you in your home away from home. I know how to live in a village with so many countries with so many different requirements so hopefully our team has been able to meet most if not all of these and will continue to meet them whilst here,” said Waiwai.
“As your athletes prepare to compete over the next 16 days I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing the fierce but competitive rivalry on the field of play.
“I also look forward to hearing all the good stories about the friendships that have been forged or strengthened and the fun you all having in the village. This is your home away from home so please enjoy it to the fullest,” said Waiwai.
Pacific Games Council President, Vidhya Lakhan in his address said the 15th Pacific Games is a significant event in the history of the Games since its inception in 1963.
“For the first we have amongst us a delegation from Australia and a delegation from NZ. We are delighted to have you among your brothers and sisters of the Pacific. We do appreciate that your participation in this games, is by invitation, a limited one at that. But we hopeful that as we move forward you will become part and parcel of the Pacific Games in the future.
“We are not living in a perfect world, nothing is perfect so you might find the Games Village is not perfect as well. But let me remind you that the GOC in preparation for your arrival has done everything in their power to ensure that your stay is safe, comfortable and that you have a wonderful time mingling with athletes from other Pacific Island nations," he said.
Lakhan also lay down the challenge for the athletes to give their best shot at the Games and be good ambassadors for their respective countries.
“When you participate in the Games as Ambassadors of your country and Ambassadors of your sport, you will participate in the true spirit of the Pacific Games, respecting fellow athletes, honouring excellent performances, appreciating what is done for you.
The Pacific Games officially begin on Saturday.... PACNEWS
PNG - PACIFIC GAMES: PACNEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 03 Jul 2015
Last Modified on 03/02/2016 09:55