2022 Mini Pacific Games

It boasts a strong team for the 11th Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Northern Marianas.

“We have brought over a very strong contingent made up of our elite athletes from back home in PNG, the United States and Australia.
“Since our arrival last Sunday, our teams have gone straight into training,” said Team PNG Chef de Mission, Kila Dick.

He said Team PNG is adamant in getting the finer details right and have kept their fitness and focus.

The Pacific Mini Games will be hosting nine sports, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Tennis, Triathlon, Va’a and Weightlifting. Saipan, Tinian and Rota will host the various competitions at different sporting venues.  Papua New Guinea will be participating in five - Athletics, Golf, Tennis, Va’a and Weightlifting. Beach Volleyball and Triathlon were not endorsed due to non-compliance of set requirements. Baseball and Badminton National Federation opted not to participate in the Pacific Mini Games due to their teams’ readiness.

Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) President Sir John Dawanincura said the flag bearer reveal is an important role and ceremony in the lead up to the opening ceremony.

“Ailima’s outstanding leadership has been key to the vaá women’s success,” Sir John said.

“Ailima was part of the women’s team to the 2013 Mini Pacific Games that won three silver medals, the 2015 Pacific Games V12 team that shocked champions Tahiti for the Gold and in 2019 added another silver and a bronze for their treasure trove.

The team of 24 male and 14 female athletes will head to Saipan in three groups this weekend from Port Moresby, Brisbane and Los Angeles.

Thirteen US-based athletes and coach, Nelson Stone will fly to Saipan via Honolulu and Guam, with some stopping over in Los Angeles this weekend for a final lead up competition.

While the Pacific Mini Games will be hosting nine sports, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Tennis, Triathlon, Va’a and Weightlifting, PNG will only participate in five.  

The five sports endorsed by the Justification Committee are Athletics, Golf, Tennis, Va’a and Weightlifting.

Beach Volleyball and Triathlon were not endorsed and will miss out due to non-compliance with the requirements. Baseball and Badminton National Federation opted not to participate in the Pacific Mini Games due to their team’s readiness.