The 8th PNG Games has now been moved to 10th-20th January, 2024. The PNG Games Council Executive Committee have made this statement in a press release sent out on Tuesday, 7th November, 2023, just about a month away from the previous date set for the Games, which was 6th to 16th December, 2023.
According to the PNG Games Council Executive Committee, who met in Port Moresby on Saturday, 4th November, 2023, deliberated on a request from the National Government through the Sports Minister, Hon. Don Polye to reschedule the Games.
The Executive Committee comprising of Nane Tomala - Momase Region; Vincent Pesnu - Highlands; Conrad Golumu - Niugini Islands; Henry Kavana - Southern; Auvita Rapilla - PNGOC; and Peter Aglua - PNGSF, have recommended for the Games to be moved to 10-20 January, 2024.
The reasons for rescheduling the games were threefold, as stated in the press release by Albert Veratau, Chairman of the PNG Games Council, when informing the Executive Committee about the Government’s request of that decision.
"Firstly, the National Government funding commitment for the Games was not released to complete Games preparations.
“Secondly, Team PNG participation at the 2023 Honiara Pacific Games from November 17th to 4th December, 2023 was too close to the PNG Games Schedule from 6th - 16th December, 2023.
“Thirdly, the likelihood of passengers stranded at domestic airports during the Christmas or New Year peak period, for provincial teams traveling to and from the nation's capital was real
“Considering the current daily trend of flight downgrades and cancellations by the national carrier Air Niugini, which has caused inconveniences for the traveling public," the statement read.
It stated, Veratau appealed to the Council to reschedule the Games and move forward to the New Year when the Pacific Games participants return home and the airline industry goes past the peak period.
More so, it stated that for compliance with the PNG Games Charter, the PNG Games Council of 22 provincial representatives will be invited to vote through a postal resolution to endorse the recommendation.
Meanwhile, John Susuve, the Chairperson of the Games Organizing Committee, in the statement, applauds the Executive Committee for the wise decision. Further stating that the slight delay was a blessing for all provinces to complete fundraising activities and finalize logistics arrangements to take teams to Port Moresby. He also appealed to the business and corporate organizations in the host city to come forward and assist the GOC to deliver a successful Games.
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