THIS is my first column from Port Moresby, where I will be based for the next few weeks, doing media work for the Pacific Games.
This colourful event was first staged in Suva Fiji in 1963 and this will be the third time here in the PNG Capital.
It may not be an Olympic or Commonwealth games but it’s big time for the 24 Island nations that will compete in the 28 disciplines over the next two weeks.
Also similar is their mission statement ‘to host a friendly and unforgettable event, where athletes can shine and PNG can feel proud today and enriched tomorrow’.
Just like the Gold Coast in three years, the vision of organisers is to inspire magical moments for a nation, a region and a generation.
It’s expected 3000 athletes, 500 team officials and 1000 technical officials will help boost the local economy, safeguarded by 2600 security personnel.
Just like Noosa, my first event Saturday morning will be the women’s and men’s triathlons.
Quality fields with emerging talents in both, in fact PNG’s leading lady Rachael James has been training here since February under the guidance of Noosa Tri commentator and coach Toby Coote.
Despite competing in Glasgow, the 31-year-old is fairly new to the sport, only starting three years ago.
Rachael arrived back in town only yesterday, with Toby brimming in confidence after a great lead-up that’s included Caloundra, Mooloolaba and state championships, all in the effort to win gold.
My next Sport will be Outrigger Racing, called Va’a in local terms – for Samoans, Hawaiians and Tahitians it simply means boat/canoe.
This sport has grown enormously here with both Noosa and Mooloolaba clubs regularly on the victory dais at state and national events.
In fact, clubs from Tahiti, PNG and New Caledonia competed at the national marathon regatta held in Mooloolaba in May.
And of course the big bonus will be the world sprint championships to be conducted at Lake Kawana next year.
You guessed it, my final commitment is calling the boxing which is sold out already in the 1500-seat main stadium.
I am sure many of this column’s older readers will remember the great action of TV Ringside.
Most of the great fights all involved opponents from the Pacific area, and I have no doubts there will be no love lost once the bell sounds.
For the first time, Australia and New Zealand will have competitors in four sports – rugby sevens, sailing, taekwondo and weightlifting.
I am looking forward to Saturday’s opening ceremony with Prince Andrew the special guest.
Lifesavers
Lifesaving and especially Mooloolaba Surf Club has been in the papers for all the wrong reasons of late.
I can assure you the club isn’t going broke but some hard decisions’ have been made to steady the ship.
I am not concerned about losing the high-profile Ironman, but coach Michael King is a big loss. Most of his squad are blow-ins.
Thankfully Noosa and Sunshine Beach have plenty of young talent to be proud of. Until next time.
