2017 Pacific Mini Games

93 athletes will compete for Team PNG across 10 sports in Vanuatu, including sprint queen Toea Wisil and Commonwealth Games weightlifting champion Steven Kari.

Chef de Mission Emma Waiwai said after hosting the 2015 Pacific Games, where they also topped the medal tally, there's less pressure on Papua New Guinea, but still a strong desire to win.

"The important thing for us is coming here and trying to defend our title that we got four years ago," Waiwai said.

Shine Pacifica is the official song of the Van2017 games here in Port Vila and will be performed along with choreographed dance moves on stage.

It took Quai two days to compose the song and for her, the games are special as they mark a new era in sports and unity for Vanuatu.

Communities in Port Vila have joined hands in preparing the official opening of the 10th Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu.

Dawanincura reminded the athletes that they are not only representing their country but also their sport and families.

He urged them to support each other and work as a team to achieve their goals in the game.

“As Team PNG, support your fellow athletes and together aim for the best results that you can muster.

“The vision of the PNG Olympic Committee is to inspire and unite Papua New Guineans through sporting excellence and success.

11 of the 14 sports played will be hosted at the Korman Stadium.

The 2017 Pacific Mini Games will spur on the largest building of sporting venues since Vanuatu's independence in 1980.

The new outdoor stadium will hold up to 3,000 seats in the stands and a 400-metre track.

It will be fully lighted for night events, beginning with the opening ceremony and a traditional Vanuatu spectacular is expected on the evening of Monday, December 4.

Digicel are major sponsors of the Pacific Mini Games and a TVWan crew is on the ground as host broadcasters of the event.

The team was met by the PNG Consular to Vanuatu at the Bauerfield International Airport with a small crowd of enthusiastic PNG residents.

Team PNG will be residing at the Games village, which is made up of various schools in Port Vila.

The official opening ceremony will be held on Monday, 4th December, at the Korman Stadium.

The 2017 Pacific Mini Games is from the 4-15 December.

The Pacific Mini Games is the Oceania region’s premier multi-sport event.

The contingent of 148 athletes will see Team PNG take part in 10 of the 14 sports on offer which include boxing, netball, golf, tennis and weightlifting.

At the last Pacific Mini Games in Wallis and Futuna in 2013, Team PNG topped the medal tally winning 30 gold medals.

“From the analysis done by our office, thanks to Chris Amini, we forecast winning 45 gold medals, 28 silver medals and 24 bronze bronze medals. Will that be enough to come number one again? We’ll find out. For now, we’ll focus on the process and the results will come,“said Waiwai.

The Pacific Games dual gold medallist from Madang fought back tears saying it was unexpected, but it will be a huge privilege and honor to carry the PNG flag at the opening ceremony on December 4.

“Thank you to the PNG Olympic Committee and Team PNG for this. I will carry the flag with pride and lead you all into the Games in Vanuatu.

10 teams participated in the fundraiser that included Credit Corporation, PNG Ports, Bank South Pacific and Steamships.

Netball PNG president, Julienne Leka, expressed her thanks for the support shown from the government and corporate sector.

“This is something new that we wanted to try. It’s been a fantastic day and we’re looking to make this an annual event.”

Wing-attack for the PNG Pepes, Jacklyn Lahari, said preparations for the Pacific Mini Games are going well.

The team of 18 male and 16 female athletes will be supported by the same team management which accompanied the team to Suva in June this year for the Oceania Championships, with the addition of Port Moresby based, Nabase Duaba as Assistant Manager.

PNG will be aiming to maintain its status as the number one team in athletics at the Pacific Games.

The men’s squad: