Pacific Games

100 athletes and officials landed at 4am and 103 just landed mid-morning.

The final contingent for the Solomons will travel to Port Moresby on July 9. 

 Media representatives with Games passes will be allowed into the games.

Those who don't have passes will be sent away.

PNG Loop visited the Games venues this morning for a wrap up of what is happening and was told by the securities at the gate about the strict attitude on entry to the venues.

Meanwhile most teams from the other Pacific Island countries have arrived in the country for the challenge during the Games.

This morning saw parts of the Solomon Island and Nauru teams arriving in the country.

The rugby league 9s competition runs over July 11-12 at the Sir John Guise Outdoor Stadium.

The 15 man squad is in full competition mode as 13 of the players come from  the SP Hunters who are striving for their 10th consecutive win this weekend in the Intrust Super Cup.

PNG 9s coach Michael Marum, who is also the coach for Hunters, said he has looked at the Pacific Games draw and rules, and has worked out a way to manage it as best as possible.

He said that they aim to win gold in  28 sports.

"All for gold not silver," said Rodan.

Fiji's first contingent of 250 arrived at midnight on a charter flight and the second group will arrive in Port Moresby on July 7.

Fiji will take part in all 28 sports at the Pacific Games.

Kiribati will take part in a total of 10 sporting codes out of 28 codes on the games charter.

Collins added that they are naturally strong in those four sports.

A small crowd of them have been waiting and broke into choir style singing.

The Fijian flight was at first due to arrive at 10pm but was later rescheduled for arrival after 11pm.

Now it is expected to touch down nearer to midnight.

Kiribati will take part in 10 sports that include basketball, weightlifting, volleyball and power lifting.

President of the Kiribati Olympic National Committee, David Collins says the 100 plus contingent members are in good spirits after a good flight .

Grouped in the pool of death, they will facing favorites New Zealand, New Caledonia and PNG.

 "We will take one game at a time," said Marahare.

The Solomon Islands 25 players  arrived with the 104- member full team for  Kiribati some minutes ago.

 A combined contingent of 104 athletes and officials from Kiribati arrived.

The Solomon Islands soccer team of 25 is the first lot of athletes to come.

The rest of the contingent will arrive tomorrow.

More than 298 pieces of medical equipment was procured through the department to support the Games.
National Health Secretary Mr Pasco Kase in handing over the equipment said, “We are very happy to support the Games with these medical equipment’s so that the Games medical teams can take care of the health and wellbeing of our sporting participants as they compete in our country”.