‘Almost ready’ to let the Games begin

PORT MORESBY – Papa New Guinea’s Post-Courier newspaper says Port Moresby is “ready for the Games”.

The main venue, Sir John Guise Stadium and the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre have been given the thumbs up for the Pacific Games due to start in just under two weeks, the paper says.

The report says Games organisers have tested these two major sporting facilities and are pleased with the results.

Sports and Pacific Games Minister Justin Tkatchenko announced during a media conference at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre that “most of the facilities are almost completed”.

The Sir John Guise Stadium was the first to be tested when it hosted the Hunters versus Magpies rugby league match the previous weekend.

“Let me be precise and clear the air for people having doubts about the facilities – almost 95 per cent of the jobs have been completed and the contractors are working on the finishing touches,” Tkatchenko said.

“We never had such world-class facilities and everybody is proud and we are ready for all the Pacific islands.

The indoor facilities will cater for basketball, volleyball, Taekwondo and karate. It will be an opportunity to watch four to five sports play at the same time at one particular place.

“The swimming pool is of a world-class standard and can be used for any international events in the future.

““All the other facilities for soccer, bowling, rugby, cricket and softball, and Sir Hubert Murray Stadium at Konedobu, will be tested over the next two weeks to ensure that everything is on track.”

Tkatchenko confirmed that the stadium at Konedobu will play host to the women’s triathlon medal presentation ceremony by Prince Andrew on Sunday morning, July 5, and it will also be used for the soccer competition on July 9.

Tkatchenko thanked the Games organising committee, Game venue management team and PNG Sports Foundation for producing international class facilities in just two years.

He also acknowledged the recent knighting of Sir Kostas Constantino who is the Games organising committee chairman for services to sports.