Team PNG farewelled

​Chef de mission to the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Tamzin Wardley has reminded Team PNG that their most important job is to ensure the country is proud of them when they return home from the Gold Coast.

In her address at last night’s farewell function for Team PNG at the National Football Stadium, Wardley told the athletes that pride isn’t just created by winning medals but by the way they represent Team PNG, its values and the country.

“Every one of us will be part of building that pride.”

Wardley congratulated each and every one of the athletes.

 “Congratulations to all 57 of our athletes who are part of Team PNG. Qualifying for our country’s team is a major achievement in itself and it means you’ve either qualified on merit or are deemed to be the best in PNG at your sport.

“The road to qualification has been a long one for all of you. The new competitive system introduced by the Commonwealth Games Federation has made these games tougher than ever to qualify for.

“Many great PNG athletes did not make the team through injury, suspension and competition heartbreak on the journey through the qualification pathway.

“So everyone in the team, please just take a moment and simply enjoy being part of this team and reflect on your achievement.”

She went on to express her gratitude to the officials.

“To our officials, on behalf of everyone involved with Team PNG, I thank you for your dedication and commitment to our athletes and your sport.

“Participation at the games requires your continued hard work to ensure our athletes compete to the best of their ability.”

She went on to say that Team PNG will be travelling during a time of great tragedy here at home.

“We don’t really know how many of our people have been killed, injured and made homeless by the recent earthquakes across the Highlands region.

“The PNG Olympic Committee has donated funds from the sale of Team PNG supporter kits to the earthquake appeal, and we’re going to do our bit by making the country proud and give everyone back home something to smile about.”

Wardley wished Team PNG the best of luck and urged them to do their best.

“On behalf of the management team, I wish you all the best for all your events, I hope you enjoy the experience, I hope you compete at your highest level so that you know deep within that you really did everything you could for your team and for yourself.

She finished by asking the athletes to remember the team values.

“Last of all, I ask everyone travelling to remember our team values- Honesty, Excellence, Respect and Openness.

“We may not lead the games with the most medals, but as a team we will lead knowing we competed fairly and honestly, that we tried our hardest and that we respect all those with us and even those against us.”

Author: 
Troy Taule