S.P.G 2015 FAREWELLED PARTICIPATING PACIFIC COUNTRIES

With fireworks, music, grass skirts and a sample of the Pacific’s rich and diverse culture, Port Moresby said good bye to the 2015 Pacific Games in last night’s closing ceremony at BSP Stadium.

Vidhya Lakhan, president of the Pacific Games Council (PGC) proclaimed the Port Moresby 2015 Pacific Games an “outstanding event that surpassed all expectations” as he declared the Games closed and started a night that brought the whole of Papua New Guinea to the party.

Lakhan said he hopes the Games will leave something to remember for the host city, while giving Tonga 2019 something to aim for.

He said, PNG want the Games to leave legacies, physical and human, that will last long after the 2015 Games have finished.

The Governor General of Papua New Guinea, Michael Ogio started proceedings by proclaiming that PNG should bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, a suggestion that drew applause from the thousands of athletes, volunteers and spectators who had come out for the fun.

It is understood, the Solomon Islands contingent returns today.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare MP has congratulated Solomon Islands’ athletes competing at the South Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea, saying they have done the nation proud.

In recognition of their efforts, Prime Minister Sogavare promises theprovision of “better and world standard facilities” to be based on afull report being requested by the Government on Team Solomons’ performance at the Games.

The Prime Minister said Solomon Islands athletes have achieved the results without the facilities other countries have.

He said, their achievements demonstrate that the nation can achieve much by working together.

Mr Sogavare congratulates all the athletes who beat their competitors from other South Pacific nations to bring home much-coveted gold, silver and bronze medals.