2015 Pacific Games

This morning PNG Loop caught up with Team Cook Island on their way to a training session.

Team Fiji and the Solomon Island contingent arrived last night.

Most of the Pacific Island countries have already arrived and are getting used to their accommodation and the capital city.

The opening ceremony will be held at the BSP stadium on Saturday July 4.

In their last two appearances at the Pacific Games in 2007 and 2011, Fiji took out bronze.

But coach Charlene Lockington says with the amount of talent and skill her team has, gold is what they will win at the Games.

"We had good build up matches playing in Australia, we're confident but we know not to underestimate any team and that includes PNG.

"PNG are a good side but we have beaten them before and we can do it again,’’ said Lockington.

The ceremony will begin at 5pm when the baton will be received on its arrival by NCDC Governor Powes Parkop.

This ceremony is open and free to the public. Everyone is invited to come along and share the relay’s final leg with a celebration.

Gates open at 4pm with 15,000 seats available. Parking for the public will be located at the oval opposite the stadium with security provided.

Residents of Port Moresby are encouraged to come along and be part of this event that has shared the experience of the 2015 Pacific Games.

This was the simple message given yesterday to the PNG men’s A team and the Pacific MMI Lewas by the former captain of the PNG men’s cricket team- Taunao Vai.

Vai led PNG to win gold on home soil at the 1991 South Pacific games by beating Fiji in the finals.

“Part one of your training and team bonding is almost done. Now you look to part two which is implementation.

“The game starts as soon as you enter the Games Village. Listen to your captain, your coach. Prepare well, play to the best of your abilities and stick to the game plan,” said Vai.

Boga is among 12 boxers representing PNG and is the only athlete in the squad who took part in the 2011 Games in New Caledonia.

The 25 year old from Central and Eastern Highlands Province, won bronze in 2011 in the 64kg category but missed out on a medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Since then, he has been training hard for the July Games.

In the lead up in his preparations, Boga won a gold medal at the Queensland Championship late last year.

He said obtaining gold at the championship has boosted his moral to keep pushing hard in training.

From PACNEWS

This draw schedule reflects the final entries now received by all competing teams.

The schedule for all matches and all competitions will be released by the GOC via their website in the coming week.

PNG will be competing in eleven team sports with both men and women’s teams in Basketball, Cricket, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Rugby 7’s, Soccer, Touch Football and Volleyball.

Rugby 9’s will have a men’s team only while netball and softball will see a women’s team only compete.