2015 XV Pacific Games of the South
Pacific Islands happened here in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea from
4th July until 18th July 2015. It seems that a
prestigious event transformed an unexpected country like Papua New
Guinea into a very friendly, welcoming place. For the last 15 days,
there was almost zero crime, people were organised, and a safe
environment for walking around town, or along the event venues at
least. There were crowds of different ages, and nationalities. Every
local Papua New Guinean you meet, smiles and greet you. In general
the atmosphere is totally different than what I got used to for the
last 4 years. So much so that I question myself, am I on the same
place?
 |
| The streets going to Sir John Guise Stadium...... |
 |
| The Morobe Tribe presenters.... |
 |
| its a family event... |
24 countries are competing in the
2015 Pacific Games: Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Fiji,
Samoa, Australia, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Cook Islands, Guam,
Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu, Norfolk Island,
American Samoa, Tuvalu, New Zealand, Wallis and Futuna, Nuie, Palau,
Marshall Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Tokelau. This years South
pacific Games had a lot of memorable events and firsts. This is the
first Pacific Games that Australia and New Zealand actively
participated in the events ( or after almost a long time). Papua New
Guinea dominated winning 217 medals in different events (88 Golds, 69
Silver and 60 Bronze medals)
There are 28 disciplines for the Games
that all athletes will compete. Some events include, Hockey, Beach
volleyball, Rugby (9's & 7's), Cricket, Lawn Bowling, Net Ball,
Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming, Sailing, Golf, Tennis, Squash,
Taekwando/Karate, Soccer, Power lifting, Weightlifting, Boxing, Body
Building, Canoeing/ Kayak, Triathlon and Athletics.
 |
| Feeling the games fever... |
 |
| Amazing home crowd.... |
Papua New Guineans dominated track and
field, weightlifting, and swimming among others games. The endurance
and sportsmanship that the local athletes showed will leave an
indelible mark to all who had witness their triumphs and losses. Such
a strong sovereignty spirit from all the people who watched the
games, supporting their athletes all the way. And the home crowd
showed no discrimination and was just happy to be witnessing history
unfold that even other countries' athletes were amazed by such an
enthusiastic audience. From the spectacular opening ceremony, to all
the events and to the lovely farewell in the closing ceremony, the
organisers had outdone themselves and excited expectations.
 |
| The Silver and Gold Medallist, 400M Papua New Guinea dominates. |
 |
| Women Track & Field heat....... |
 |
| The Athletes cheering their own...... |
 |
| American Samoa cheering..... |
 |
| Big or small....they watch as history unfolds. |
 |
| The festivities going around the venues... |
 |
| One of the dancers....very colourful |
 |
| My husband doing a bit of street magic.... |
Whatever colour or race one might have,
we all come to be united in sports. A country such as Papua New
Guinea, with a thousand tribe became united, showcasing their diverse
cultures and sang in one voice in the Pacific Games. I have seen that
sporting event like this can be a catalyst for change and Papua New
Guinea is rife and ready for the challenge. I am proud to say I had
been a witness to such a phenomenal event, that I count myself lucky
to witness the Pacific Games.
 |
| The home crowd.... |
