Late Kato Ottio

Hundreds gathered to commemorate the first anniversary of his death with his family and friends, including the management of the PNG Rugby Football League and the PNG Hunters train-on squad.

Significant to the occasion was the opening of his mother’s house; a dream that late Ottio always had.

Mixed emotions played at the gathering in Tatana Village today to celebrate the life of the Kumul number 269.

It was one of happiness that Ottio’s life and even his death brought blessings to his family.

The figure was bumped up after yesterday’s trial match between the SP Hunters and Brisbane Broncos at the National Football Stadium.

Buckets were placed at the gates with K1,960.85 collected plus another K5,000 from the PNG Rugby Football League.

The cheque was presented to Joyce Ottio at half-time by Chairman of the PNGRFL, Sandis Tsaka.

The jersey was passed on from Dragons and PNG LNG Kumuls winger, Nene Macdonald to coach, Michael Marum who gave it to Joyce right after today’s funeral.

He said the club were shocked to hear of Kato’s passing and their thoughts and prayers are with the Ottio family in this time.

After a short sermon and prayer by Henry Ottio, the rugby league star’s coffin was lowered into the tomb just before 1pm today in the Arutu clan area of the village.

The scorching sun did nothing to stop the hundreds who turned up to say their final goodbyes to a man whose death has moved a whole country and the rugby league world.

“He was a great and humble man. He never gave up on his dreams,” said cousin, Siosi Opao.

“Kato always told us ‘I will one day make it and play rugby league like those ones we see on TV.

We love you so much and we will never forget what you did for us and the country,” said big sister, Marie Ottio.

“He was the complete all-rounder. He was naturally and divinely talented. He surpassed all expectations and was bound for greatness. Kato always put his mother and family first while on a silent mission of living his dream.

The journey home started from the National Football Stadium and passed through the city then towards Baruni before finally reaching Tatana.

Tears flowed as the villagers welcomed the Funeral Home hearse followed closely by a long convoy of cars.

Ottio is resting for now at his house in the Arutu clan area. Details of the funeral arrangements will be made clear soon by the family.

More to follow...

The late PNG Kumuls player Kato Ottio is proof of that.

His sudden passing last Tuesday came as a big loss for the country but it also brought Papua New Guineans and some international communities closer.

And as fitting for a hero, a song has been composed as a tribute to him.

It took local artist Augustine Emil two days to write, record and release the song.

"Soreh Kato Ottio" dropped yesterday and has been actively shared over social media platforms.

This is how former Sports Minister and Moresby South MP, Justin Tkatchenko, described the late Kato Ottio.

Minister Tkatchenko acknowledged Kato's achievements in such a short time.

He spoke of how he met the late Ottio on many occasions as Sports Minister, when the 23-year-old represented PNG in volleyball in 2013 at the Pacific Mini Games in Wallis and Futuna.

Minister Tkatchenko encouraged everyone to rise positively and learn from Ottio's short but wonderful life of sporting achievement.

The Late Ottio will be laid to rest at his mother’s village, Tatana, after a funeral mass set to take place this morning.

The team’s dressing room, ahead of this evening’s fixture, pays tribute to the young rising star.

Loop PNG has been told that tonight’s game will begin with a minute’s silence for Ottio. This will be the first of a series of tributes that they will be paying to their fallen teammate.