The long-awaited official Opening Ceremony of the Pacific Games unfolded yesterday at 7pm local time (6pm PNG Time) at the National Sports Stadium at Honiara, Solomon Islands. The host officially welcomed 24 countries and territories to the biggest event in the Pacific.
Although the competitions have already begun on Friday 17th of October, the official opening was the moment when the participating countries rubbed shoulders with their rival teams across the region.
Team PNG was seen all smiles as they walked onto the podium led by flag bearers Ramona Padio (Football) and Matthew Stubbings (Tennis). They finished off with a chanting most loudly from the energetic athletes right in front at the edge of the podium.
The Pacific Games schedule is divided into two parts; of the 25 sports, 8 sports will be played in the first week starting today, Monday 20th, while others will commence next week on Monday 27th November 2023.
The five codes; Volleyball, Football, Tennis, Table Tennis and Basketball that have started will continue their competitions today; while Basketball, Volleyball and Table Tennis are scheduled to finish on Saturday 25th, Tennis and Football will finish on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December respectively which are the final days of the Pacific Games.
The second lot of codes, which Team PNG will participate in, starting on Monday 27th November are; Bodybuilding, Boxing, Hockey, Powerlifting, Netball, Rugby Touch, Taekwondo and Triathlon.
Meanwhile, the sports that are competing today at their respective venues are Archery, Judo, Rugby League 9s, Swimming, Weightlifting, Golf, Karate and Rugby 7s.
According to the PNG Olympic Committee, Team PNG will not compete in Rugby 9s, Judo, Sailing and Karate.
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