PM ‘proud’ on eve of Pacific Games

PORT MORESBY – Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has lauded the work of Port Moresby 2015 Pacific Games organisers, saying he appreciated their efforts to build venues quickly and efficiently.

“It makes me proud as a Papua New Guinean to see the work and dedication that has gone into getting our Games ready,” said O’Neill while visiting Sir John Guise Stadium.

O’Neill recently opened the Sir John Guise Stadium, the Taurama Aquatic Centre and the Pacific Games Village in the lead up to the opening of Port Moresby 2015 on Saturday.

O’Neill opened the precinct which houses the BSP Stadium venue and the PNG Power Dome complex on June 23, the new Taurama Aquatic Centre on June 28 and the Pacific Games Village on June 29 in preparation for the arrival of athletes and officials.

The prime minister said the facilities meet international standards and were designed specifically for the Games and to host other major events in the future.

“These facilities have been built in record time and now we are seeing them delivered on time,” said O’Neill.

At the opening of the Taurama Aquatic Centre, which includes a swimming pool and indoor sporting facilities, O’Neill said that the Pacific’s largest island nation must take a leading role.

“Let us show leadership, not just in words but in deeds, to advance our region and help countries around the Pacific,” he said.

“The Taurama Sport Centre must be a centre for sporting excellence well beyond the Games, and draw athletes from around the Pacific to pursue their sporting dreams.”

O’Neill used the opportunity to scotch the criticisms by some individuals who sought to undermine the nation’s chances to deliver a successful Games.

“Our government inherited the commitments of the past government to host the Pacific Games, and we had to honour these commitments,” he said.

“I thank all those who have put in hard work, leadership and delivery of the infrastructure for the Games.”

The prime minister went on a tour of the venue which includes a stainless steel pool, one of only two swimming pools of this standard in the southern hemisphere.

The Pacific Games Village will house more than 4000 athletes during the Games and will provide accommodation for students attending the University of Papua New Guinea after the Games have finished.

The opening of the venues, occupation of the village by visiting athletes and the anticipation of the opening ceremony on Saturday are all adding a buzz to Port Moresby, that is expected to intensify once competition begins.