Papua New Guinea Today

By James Cowling and Joanna Lester, Games News Service

PORT MORESBY, July 13 – Papua New Guinea’s Sapolai Yao raced home to win the men’s 3000m steeplechase gold, the first medal of the Port Moresby 2015 athletics program, in front of a delighted crowd at BSP Stadium on Monday night.

As Yao ran the final stretch, the crowd shouted, “PNG, PNG, PNG”. He finished in 9 minutes, 38.89 seconds.

Yao, who came last in the same event at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, said he was thrilled to win on home soil.

“I prepared for a long time, I deserved to win,” Yao said.

Pascal Gacon (NCL) pole vaulted to a new Games record of 3.70m to win gold in the women’s event.

“I’m super happy to get this record. This is my first Games, so it’s unbelievable,” Gacon said.

Sharon Firisua (SOL) won the women’s 5000m in a Pacific Games record time of 18 minutes, 20.09 seconds beating PNG’s Rama Kumilgo and Mary Kua and into second and third respectively.

“I’m really glad (to have set a new Games record). I put all my commitment into this, but this race was very slow for me because I’m used to competing in very fast races,” Firisua said.

In men’s javelin, Fiji’s Leslie Copeland outclassed the other competitors to win gold with a throw of 70.31 metres.

Copeland said he couldn’t have asked for more.

“I’m happy with that. It’s 10 metres short of my personal best but I’ve been injured,” Copeland said.

“I had a rotator cuff injury in my throwing (right) shoulder, and I only trained for three weeks prior to this. I’m happy that I’ve helped my country.”

Milika Tuivanuavou (FIJ) won the women’s shot put with a throw of 14.59 metres on her final attempt.

“I just came out here to do my best and I’m glad it worked out but really I was going for the gold,” Tuivanuavou said.

In the 100m heats, Fijian record holder Ratu Tabakaucoro won the first heat and didn’t disappoint.

Tabakaucoro finished with the fastest time of the night, 10.50 seconds and said he hope to better that in Tuesday’s final.

Home crowd heroine Toea Wisil (PNG) suffered a stressful race in the women’s 100m heats. She failed to hear that there had been a false start and almost reached the finish line before realising that she and her competitors had been called back.

On the second attempt, Wisil won in a canter.

Athletics continues on Tuesday at 10:00 at BSP Stadium.

The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, has praised athletes and members of the public around the nation for embracing the XV Pacific Games.
Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said the national spirit and goodwill around the games is a wonderful feeling that will go down as a great highlight in the nation’s history. “This is a proud time to be a Papua New Guinean!” the Prime Minister said at the half-way point of the Games. “We have thousands of visitors from around the Pacific sharing our home and together we are competing in a spirit of unity.
“I have seen many thrilling contests from athletes at the peak of their careers from all Pacific nations. “Our visitors have praised the hospitality of Papua New Guineans and they have been made to feel so welcome. “I thank all Papua New Guineans for demonstrating to the regional and the world the warmth of the nation.”
The Prime Minister said the facilities built for the Games have proven their capacity and would serve athletes from Papua New Guinea and the region for decades into the future. “We have world class sporting facilities now in Papua New Guinea,” the Prime Minister said. “Young children watching the Games with sporting dreams will one day train and compete at these stadiums, pools and courts. “I again congratulate everyone who has worked so hard in the last few years to deliver these Games.
“Lets continue to get behind our athletes, and our competing nations, to have a great final week of the Games. ” When asked about the Opposition Leader’s ongoing criticism of the management of the Games, Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said now is not the time for politics. “People right around the nation are embracing our team, cheering our wins and supporting our athletes no matter where they finish.“Lets enjoy the Games in the spirit it is intended and be part of this wonderful exhibition of sportsmanship and friendship. “Please be a proud Papua New Guinean and not a complainer. “This is a time for our nation to celebrate and to shine."

The host nation, Papua New Guinea is comfortably leading the Games medal table with 40 golds, 26 silvers and 22 bronze medals. Second placed is Pacific Games powerhouse New Caledonia with 30 golds, 26 silvers and 26 bronze medals.

Papua New Guinea is expected to dominate the athletics events that started yesterday. The fastest woman in the Pacific, Toa Wisil is expected to snatch few more golds for PNG.

The medal table as updated at 1:00 pm today (14/07/2015) stand at.

PORT MORESBY, July 14 – Toea Wisil (PNG) thrilled a packed BSP Stadium with her gold medal-winning performance in the women’s 100m to round off an exciting day of athletics at the Port Moresby 2015 Pacific Games.
Wisil ran 11.86 seconds, comfortably ahead of Fijians Younis Bese and Sisilia Seavula, who claimed silver and bronze respectively.
“I’m really happy about my performance in front of my Papua New Guinean people,” Wisil said. “Thank you to all my mothers and aunties back in Jiwaka Province and to my family who came all the way from there to watch me race.”
“Tomorrow will be a challenging day for me, racing two fellow PNG athletes in the 200m final. I don’t feel pressure, more so excitement after tonight.”
In the men’s 100m Ratu Tabakaucoro (FIJ) defended his Pacific Games title, winning comfortably in 10.55 seconds.
Palau’s Rodman Teltull was delighted with his silver medal finish, while Kupun Wisil (PNG) claimed bronze.

“First and foremost I would like to thank the lord almighty for giving me strength,” Tabakaucoro said. Second of all my parents for supporting me for all these years. I’d also like to thank my coach and all my supporters back home, and not forgetting the PNG crowd here tonight – they are big fans of me.”
Kaminiel Matlaun (PNG) won the men’s 800m by two hundredths of a second in a photo finish that left the sell-out crowd at BSP Stadium on tenterhooks waiting for the official results.
Matlaun finished in 1 minute 53.85 seconds, closely followed by Adrien Kela (NCL). Martin Orovo (PNG) claimed bronze.
“I dedicate my win to Team PNG and Papua New Guinea as a whole,” Matlaun said. “I’ve been training for six months in Goroka and I was well prepared to come here and race.”
The hosts also dominated the women’s 800m with Donna Koniel (PNG) snatching gold in 2 minutes 12.78 seconds and Jenny Albert (PNG) finishing three seconds behind her.
Solenne Kerleguer (NCL) claimed bronze. Koniel was too overcome with emotion to address the stadium crowd or the media after her win.

More than 20 000 people packed BSP stadium to watch Toea Wisil in action.

Robson Yinambe (PNG) won the men’s decathlon while Lilian Garcon (NCL) claimed silver and Soape Polutele (TGA) won bronze.Francis Kompaon (PNG) finished first in the men’s 100m standing but won silver after the results were adjusted for degrees of disability.Sylvain Bova (NCL) won gold and Samuel Nason (PNG) claimed bronze.
One of the highlights of the night was the men’s 10000m, which Rosefelo Siosi (SOL) won in 33 minutes 6.03 seconds, comfortably ahead of silver medallist Nordine Benfodda (NCL) and bronze medallist Kupsy Bisamo (PNG).
“I don’t know how to express how happy I am,” Siosi said.
“This is my dream. When I started to run I was aiming for the 2015 Pacific Games – I wanted to be a gold medallist.”
“It has been six years hard preparation. It’s not easy to get a gold medal. I’d like to encourage all our young athletes in the Pacific to train and pray.”
After the race Siosi approached silver medallist and Pacific long distance specialist Benfodda to express his appreciation and respect for him.
“The student has overtaken the master,” Benfodda replied with a smile.
By Joanna Lester, Games News Service

PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says, 2015

Pacific Games so for so good and praises

athletes and public.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill has praised athletes and members of the public around the nation for embracing the XV Pacific Games.

PM O'Neill said the national spirit and goodwill around the games is a wonderful feeling that will go down as a great highlight in the nation's history.

"This is a proud time to be a Papua New Guinean!" the Prime Minister said at the half-way point of the Games.

"We have thousands of visitors from around the Pacific sharing our home and together we are competing in a spirit of unity.

"I have seen many thrilling contests from athletes at the peak of their careers from all Pacific nations.

"Our visitors have praised the hospitality of Papua New Guineans and they have been made to feel so welcome.

"I thank all Papua New Guineans for demonstrating to the regional and the world the warmth of the nation."

The Prime Minister said the facilities built for the Games have proven their capacity and would serve athletes from Papua New Guinea and the region for decades into the future.

"We have world class sporting facilities now in Papua New Guinea," the Prime Minister said.

"Young children watching the Games with sporting dreams will one day train and compete at these stadiums, pools and courts.

"I again congratulate everyone who has worked so hard in the last few years to deliver these Games.

"Lets continue to get behind our athletes, and our competing nations, to have a great final week of the Games. "

When asked about the Opposition Leader's ongoing criticism of the management of the Games, PM O'Neill said now is not the time for politics.

"People right around the nation are embracing our team, cheering our wins and supporting our athletes no matter where they finish.

"Lets enjoy the Games in the spirit it is intended and be part of this wonderful exhibition of sportsmanship and friendship.

"Please be a proud Papua New Guinean and not a complainer.

"This is a time for our nation to celebrate and to shine."

Alteration of PNG's national anthem sang during the Pacific Games opening ceremony has been clarified. Makoda apologizes. Photo: Thousand of people packed the BSP stadium in Port Moresby to see Toea Wisil in action. She won gold in the 100 meters heat.

The Government's Chief Secretary Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc says there has been no change to the official national anthem.

He's come out today with this clarification amidst discussions on the rendition of the National Anthem on the opening ceremony of the 15th Pacific Games.

Performers at the opening ceremony sang "O arise all you sons and daughters of this land" instead of the original "O arise all you sons of this land."

The anthem was also not completed, sparking debate from politicians, churches and members of the public.

Sir Manasupe says there is only one officially recognized national anthem according to the National Identity Act.

He says the Head of State acting on the advice of the National Executive Council, officially declares the words of the national anthem adding any change will require careful and informed debate and is a matter for the people to decide.

Meanwhile Makoda Production has sincerely apologized to the country for the rendition of the anthem on July 4th.

Makoda, a PNG based company, put together the opening ceremony activities.

Its Managing Director Tanya Nugent says it's not their intention to offend anyone nor breach any laws.

She says while they appreciate the pride of PNG's national identity, they chose to put in the word 'daughters' in line with some of the key theme’s of the ceremony‘s creative narrative which included gender equality and opportunity for all.

Tanya Nugent says timing also made it impossible to complete the anthem on that night.

She assured all, particularly church leaders, that this was not meant to cause any disrespect.

BSP Chairman Sir Kostas Constantinou, Kt. has today announced the completion of the purchase of Westpac Banking Corporation's operations in Samoa, Tonga and Cook Islands for AUD$91m.On 29 January 2015, BSP announced it had entered into a proposed sale agreement to purchase Westpac's operations in the above countries. The transaction was subject to regulatory approval by the Bank of Papua New Guinea and respective regulators in each country with all necessary approvals received.

Given the impact of Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu, the proposed sale of Westpac's Vanuatu operations will not proceed at this time. Cyclone Pam devastated Vanuatu one month after proposed sale was announced.

Similarly, the proposed sale of Westpac's Solomon Islands operations will not proceed at this time. BSP and Westpac are continuing consultation with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands in order to obtain all necessary statutory, regulatory and third party approvals.

Managing Director and CEO, Robin Fleming proudly said: "This transaction is a major milestone for a Papua New Guinean Bank. BSP is committed to our customers, our people and the communities we operate in.

"This is a special time considering so many of our fellow Pacific Island sportsmen and women are here for the XV 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby, of which BSP is proud to be the Official Sponsor."

Papua New Guinea has won all its Pool B matches in the Netball competition at the PNG Power Dome.
They played Samoa in their last pool match defeating the Samoans 62 goals to 54.
They came from behind in the first and second quarter to snatch the match away from the Samoans in the third and the last quarters.
Both PNG and the Samoans went into the match undefeated.
PNG defeated Tonga 81 to 27 while Samoa beat Solomon Islands 81 to 27 yesterday.
On Monday, PNG thrashed Solomon Islands 68-25 and the Samoans defeated the Tongans 88-21.
In the Pool A matches, the Cook Islands thrashed Vanuatu 71 to 20 yesterday, while Fiji was on bye.
Fiji meets the Cook Islanders this hour.
Picture source: Ruth Waram of Oil Search

Thirty-year old Sent Anis has won Gold for Papua New Guinea in the Javelin Ambulant Male.
Anis (pictured) came first in the event in front of the home crowd at the BSP Stadium yesterday and cried when the National Anthem was played during the medal presentation.
Anis finished ahead of New Caledonia's Thierry Washetine who got Silver and Wallis and Futuna's Lutoviko Halagahu who got the Bronze.
Meantime, Paralympian Francis Kompaon won Silver after coming first in the men's 100 m sprint in the Ambulant event last night.
Kompaon got Silver after the results were adjusted for degrees of disability.
The Gold went to Sylvain Bova of New Caledonia while Bronze went to another Papua New Guinean, Samuel Nason.

Photo and Story: NBC News

Northern Mariana Islands’ father-daughter sailing team of Tony Stearns, daughter

Emma McCullough-Stearns and wife (coach) Janet McCullough. Photo by Joanna Lester.

PORT MORESBY, July 15 – Four members of the same family competing across three different sports at Port Moresby 2015 say they’re proud to fly the flag for the Northern Mariana Islands, despite the likelihood of them going home empty-handed.
Northern Mariana Islands is a US territory in the north-western Pacific with a population of around 50,000. The islands will host the Pacific Mini Games in 2021.
Sixty-two year old Tony Stearns (NMI) kicked off the family’s participation at Port Moresby 2015 in the men’s triathlon on July 5. He finished second last, 34 minutes behind gold medallist Audric Lucini (NCL), 39 years his junior.
A day later Stearns and his 22-year-old daughter, Emma McCullough-Stearns (NMI), took to the waters of Port Moresby’s Fairfax Harbour to compete in sailing, 21 years after Tony and his wife, Janet McCullough (NMI), took part in the same event last time Papua New Guinea hosted the Pacific Games.
In 1991, Tony and Janet finished 12th out of 13 teams. In 2015, with Janet as coach, Tony and Emma finished 9th out of 10 teams.
“It has been incredible sailing with my daughter,” Tony Stearns told the Games News Service.
“It’s great being back in PNG because I really love it, and I think it’s the best place for the Pacific Games.
“Our goal in sailing was just to do our best, and we got a lot better each day, getting used to the wind and the boat. Just being out there and sailing well was really good, and we enjoyed seeing some old friends who we sailed against here 24 years ago.”
Daughter Emma had never sailed competitively before Port Moresby 2015, but was persuaded to join her father after the family were encouraged by Games organisers to participate in preparation for Northern Mariana Islands’ hosting of the Pacific Mini Games.“I’m definitely learning a lot,” she told the Games News Service. “It’s cool to see my progress going up and it’s fun sailing with my dad and having my mum as coach.”
This week Tony and Janet’s son, 19-year-old Clay McCullough-Stearns (NMI), is competing in beach volleyball with teammate Andrew Johnson. So far they have won one match and lost four.
“It’s a great experience being at the Pacific Games, and it’s even more of a great experience being able to experience it with my family,” Clay said.
“It was great watching them sail and it’s great having them here to cheer us on.”
None of team McCullough-Stearns came to Port Moresby 2015 expecting to win a medal, but they are fighting their own mini-battles with their closest rivals.
“One of our goals is to be the top team in the north Pacific, but Palau didn’t send a team so it’s between us and Guam,” said Clay McCullough-Stearns. “So far we’re playing our best and it’s good experience for us.”
While Clay and Emma are studying in the US, Janet and Tony remain in the Northern Mariana Islands, helping the territory prepare for the Mini Games.
“Sailing activity has really diminished on Saipan (the capital of Northern Mariana Islands) over the last several years, so we’re trying to get it going again,” revealed Janet.
“We’re looking forward to having everyone come to the Northern Marianas in six years for the Mini Games and hopefully sailing can be one of the events.”
By Joanna Lester, Games News Service
GNS jl/kd

By Jacklyn Sirias, Games News Service

PORT MORESBY, July 16 – The New Caledonian pair of Julien Delaplane and Nickolas Ngodrela have advanced to the men’s doubles final where they will meet Cyril Jacobe (VAN) and Aymeric Mara (VAN) to decide who will take the Port Moresby 2015 Pacific Games gold medal.
Deplane and Ngodrela got past Tahiti’s Heve Kelley and Angelo Yersin in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, while Jacobe and Mara turned their match against Daneric Hazelman (FIJ) and William O’Connell (FIJ) around to win in three, after going down 6-1 in the first set.
Deplane was philosophical after the win, saying that without playing the game, they had little chance of winning.
“It was a tough match,” said Deplane. “We were the favourites, but we had to play the game to win the match.”
“We did not have a game plan, but we were focusing on serving the ball, trying to put the first serve in.”
Vanuatu’s Mara said he and Jacobe’s slow start almost cost them, but eventually they got into the match.
“Today was a really really tough match,” he said. “We started quite slow and they played very very good at the beginning.”
“Slowly we started building up and [the match] started getting tighter, we forced a third set and eventually we got the win,” said Mara.
Mara added that following the semifinal his priority was getting his body ready for Thursday’s final.
“Right now we are going to take care of our bodies, make sure we relax and recover and then we will start taking care of our tactics,” he said.
The men’s doubles final starts at 13:00 on Thursday at the Port Moresby Racquets Club.
GNS js/jf

By Aiva Tamate-Ore, Games News Service

PORT MORESBY, July 16 – Papua New Guinea beat long-time rivals Samoa in a surprise victory in netball at the PNG Power Dome on Wednesday.
Samoa has always been one of PNG’s toughest rivals beating the team in the dying minutes at several regional matches including the 2007 South Pacific Games, the 2009 Mini South Pacific Games, and the Oceania qualification tournament just last month.
In a sizzling game, Samoa came out strong in the first two quarters against PNG showing its dominance on the court.
After the first quarter, Samoa was leading PNG by six points, 19-13.
By the end of the second quarter, PNG’s tight combination in all positions from defence right through to attack changed the score when the team netted 17 more balls to take the lead 30-28.
Having regrouped at half-time, Samoa came out very strong in the third quarter matching every net placed by PNG.
The score at the end of the third quarter, PNG 46, Samoa 43.
At full time, PNG won by a eight points, 62-54.
Lua Rikis, PNG’s captain, said she was lost for words as the team moved one step closer to the coveted gold medal.
“I just want to thank the our heavenly father most of all,” Rikis said.
“It was an extremely close game. I want to thank the home crowd, we wouldn’t have done it without you.”
Meanwhile, top seed Fiji, who will play PNG in the quarterfinal on Friday, overwhelmed Cook Islands, 69-32.
Tonga beat Solomon Islands 50-39, its first win since losing to Samoa, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea earlier in the week.
In the last match of the day, Tonga defeated Vanuatu by 27 points, 53-26.
The quarterfinals will start on at the PNG Power Dome on Thursday at 13:00 with the gold medal game on Saturday.
GNS at/jc

PNG won all three medals in the women’s 400m, with Toea Wisil leading the way. Photo by Dave Buller.

PORT MORESBY, July 15 – Wednesday night’s action on the track at BSP Stadium went almost exactly according to the script the home fans were hoping for at the Port Moresby 2015 Pacific Games.
Toea Wisil (PNG) led a podium sweep for Papua New Guinea in the women’s 400m and Nelson Stone (PNG) headed another sweep in the men’s 400m to cap a day in which almost all of the track medals went to the host nation.
Wisil’s name is usually synonymous with the shorter sprint races, but on Wednesday she dug into her energy reserves to cross the line in first place in the women’s 400m with a time of 54.17 seconds, followed by PNG teammates Donna Koniel (54.29 seconds) and Betty Burua (55.21 seconds).
“I didn’t expect that to happen, but thank God for everything,” Wisil said. “Everything is possible in life, and I believed in myself that I could do it, and I did, and I delivered to the home crowd, so I’m happy.”
Wisil fell on her hands and knees after the race and had to be helped from the track, but she had regained her energy by the time of the medal ceremony, wearing a wide grin as she received her second gold of the Games.
“I got my energy back,” Wisil said. “So I’m looking forward to the 200m (on Thursday).”
Stone had no problems with energy is his men’s 400m victory, blitzing the field in a time of 47.56 seconds. The silver medal went to PNG’s Theo Piniau (48.08 seconds) and bronze went to Kaminiel Matlaun (PNG) with a time of 48.43 seconds.
“I wasn’t in good form at the start of the year. I was written off by many,” Stone said.
“I didn’t put in a good performance all throughout the year. But two weeks before the Games, I put up a good performance. I peaked at the right time.”
After the race, Stone immediately went to his fans in the crowd to show his appreciation, making a slow victory lap around BSP stadium to get up close and personal to as many supporters as possible.
“I didn’t win this with my body, but I won it with my heart, and God,” Stone said. “With my family in the stands it was something special that I really need to lift, and I lifted more than I ever did before.”
In the men’s 1500m, Adrien Kela (NCL) held on down the home stretch to take gold in a time of 4 minutes 19 seconds.
He was closely pursued by Papua New Guinea’s George Yamak (4:19.38) in second place, with Martin Orovo (PNG) taking bronze in a time of 4:21.77.
“I faced a failure yesterday in the 800m, so I wanted to get a gold medal back in the 1500m race,” Kela said. “I am not used to attacking so early in the race, so I took a risk and I had to keep up until the end.”
Sharon Kikini Firisua (SOL) added to her previous gold in the women’s 5000m with gold in the women’s 10000m on Wednesday in a time of 38:33.04.
“The 5000m was my best event. This was the second time I’ve ever run (the 10,000m) in my life,” Firisua said. “It’s too complicated.”
Taking the silver was Ongan Awa (PNG) in a time of 39:07.97.
It appeared that Mary Kua (PNG) would take the bronze medal, but she was disqualified after she removed her bib during the course of the race.
Moving up to take the bronze in her place was 40-year-old Elodie Menou epse Mevel (TAH) in a time of 39:32.98.
On a day where personal grief was a common thread among the athletics gold medallists, Firisua was racing in memory of her late father.
“My dad passed away in 2014, he was supposed to be in this competition watching me,” Firisua said. “I just dedicate this gold medal to my late father.”
Wisil has also been competing in the face of personal tragedy, having lost her father two months ago and her brother three months ago. Men’s hammer gold medallist Erwan Cassier also dedicated his victory to his late father.
Wednesday also saw the first four events in the women’s heptathlon, with Adrine Monagi (PNG) leading with a score of 3039 points after the 100m hurdles, high jump, shot put and 200m events. Lucie Turpin (NCL) was her closest challenger with 2935 points.
Athletics continues on Thursday, with the women’s and men’s 200m races and the women’s and men’s 4x400m among the top-billed events.
By Daniel Kerwin, Tumbe Sam and Ingrid Cosnier, Games News Service
GNS dk/ts/ic/jl/kd

ManagementResourceSolutions(MRS) isa global company,currentlyoperatingin
AsiaPacific,activeinsupplyingtechnicalandstrategicservicesintheAviation,Oil&
Gas,ConstructionandResources Industries.InConjunctionwithEuropean
constructionspecialists, RoyamEnterprises,MRSiscurrently usingtheinnovative
HydraulicTankJacking Systemfortheconstructionoftwoaviationfueltanksat
Jacksons InternationalAirport, PortMoresby forPacificEnergyAviation(PNG)
Limited[PEAL].Duetothenatureandlocationoftheproject,heightrestrictionssaw
MRSfindanalternativesolutionfromusingtheconventionalcraneconstruction
method.
TheHydraulic Tank Jacking (topdown) methodhasproventobemoreefficient
comparedtothe conventional(bottomup)constructionandprovidestheupmost
Safety,QualityandSpeedwithallworkbeingdoneongroundlevel.Themethod
consistsofassemblingthetopstrakeandroof,thenjacking thetankupand
assemblingthenextstakebelowit.
Therearesomekeyimprovementsfromtheconventionaltechniquethatgivesthe
TankJackingSystemasignificantadvantage:
Fasterconstructionprocess
Finalworkqualitysignificantly improved
Majorsafetyimprovement
Morecosteffective toimplementandconstruct
Simplifiesmanagement
MRSbroughtina RoyamspecialistfromSwitzerland toimplementthesystemand
trainlocalstaff. Duetoitsefficiency,thismethodalsorequireslessmanpowerand
heavyequipmentuse.Another keyadvantage ofadoptingtheTankJackingmethod
isthatconstructioncanbedoneduringrainseasonsinceconstructionisdoneinside
thetankwiththeprotectionofthetankshellplates.
Qualityisourforteand togetherwithRoyam, MRSisexcitedabout spearheading
innovative qualityconstruction inPapuaNewGuinea.

Imagine packing up your life and moving your entire family to a new country.

That’s just what Toby Gabuogi did when he decided leave Papua New Guinea to study a Master of Business Administration (Finance) at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ).

And the decision has paid off - Mr Gabuogi was one of three international students to complete their studies at the mid-year Australia Awards ceremony at USQ Toowoomba today (July 16).

Australia Awards are international scholarships and fellowships funded by the Federal Government. They provide opportunities for international students to undertake full‐time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities.

“It was a very big decision to make, choosing to invest in my education,” Mr Gabuogi said.

“I came down at the beginning of last year with my wife and four kids (now aged 14, 12, 7 and 19 months).

“I got very good support from staff at the University. They were very helpful and always responded to emails quickly with good advice.

“USQ is a great destination for Australia Awards (or any other) students who are seeking an education in Toowoomba. It was a wonderful learning experience.

“I would rate my study experience at USQ very highly!”

Mr Gabuogi said he now planned to use his education to benefit his home country.

“My future plan is to go back to PNG and contribute to my nation’s economic and social wellbeing,” he said.

“I hope to get job in the development sector, maybe assisting small businesses.”

2015 Australia Awards Scholarship students at USQ have come from Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Bhutan, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Laos.

Pacific Games host nation, Papua New Guinea is currently leading the Pacific Games Medal Table with 64 golds, 53 silvers and 51 bronze medals. In total, PNG is ahead with 168 medals. Closely following PNG is New Caledonia with 51 golds, 42 Silver and 46 bronze medals. Check out more on pacific games News here on this link : 2015 Pacific Games News and Results

The table below is updated today at 6:00 am Friday 17/07/2015.

PNG beat New Caledonia 1 - 0 to win gold at the
Port Moresby2015 Pacific Games. Photo credit.
PNGfootball.com.pg

PORT MORESBY, July 16 – Papua New Guinea grabbed gold in the Pacific Games women’s soccer final for the fourth consecutive time with a 1-0 win against New Caledonia at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Thursday.
Marie Kaipu (PNG) was the matchwinner for PNG, scoring from close range midway through the first half to send the home fans wild.
It meant New Caledonia was runner-up for the second successive Games, following its 2-1 defeat to PNG in the Noumea 2011 gold medal match.
PNG proved to have the upper hand in size and strength, making it difficult for the New Caledonian side to add to the 20 goals it had scored in its previous four matches at Port Moresby 2015.
Tournament leading scorer Christelle Wahnawe (NCL) had bagged 10 of those – including three hat-tricks – but she found PNG goalkeeper Fidelma Watpore in fine form.
The first half of the match was even and action-packed with chances at both ends, but only Kaipu could break the deadlock.
She tapped in the game’s decisive goal after goalkeeper Honorine Pouidja (NCL) failed to hold on to a shot from Yvonne Gabong (PNG).
PNG played more defensively in the second half to protect its lead, and it proved too strong and resilient for its skilful opponent to break down.
The host could have made the scoreline even more comfortable – Pouidja thwarting Meagen Gunemba (PNG) in a one-one-one – but in the end one goal was sufficient to secure a fourth straight title.
PNG remains the only team to have won the Pacific Games women’s soccer tournament in its history.
GNS wl/kd

PORT MORESBY, July 16 – The penultimate day of the Port Moresby 2015 Pacific Games sees medals handed out across five sports with the big ticket events being the men’s soccer gold medal game and men’s and women’s 4x100m relay at the BSP Stadium.
New Caledonia and Tahiti will go head-to-head in the soccer, with New Caledonia looking to defend its 2011 title after beating Rio 2016 Olympic qualifiers Fiji in the semifinal on Wednesday.
If New Caledonia wins the final, it will be its third straight title after it also won gold at the 2007 edition of the Games in Samoa. If Tahiti wins, it will be its first gold in the Pacific Games soccer competition.
The final starts at 19:00 and the bronze medal game at 15:00.
In the final night of the athletics competition the big sprinters come out to play in the men’s and women’s 100m relay.
The relays always throw up some heartbreak and elation as the pressure of a potential gold medal can make the baton very easy to drop, and when it does the chances of the team go with it.
Also to be contested at the BSP Stadium on Friday is the men’s shot put, women’s standing para-shot put, men’s and women’s long jump, women’s 3000m steeplechase and the men’s 400m hurdles.
It will be the men’s turn to take to the taekwondo mats on Friday. Medals will be handed out at BSP Arena in seven weight categories, including the big boys in the up to 87kg and over 87kg categories.
The squash mixed doubles gold and bronze medals will be won on Friday over at the Port Moresby Racquets Club from 14:00, while in the same venue the men’s and women’s tennis singles will be played, although the start time is unclear.
The golf continues on Friday with players trying to negotiate the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club’s treacherous layout for the third time.
In lawn bowls, the women’s singles, women’s fours, men’s pairs and men’s triples roll on at the Bisini Greens with the semifinals decided by the end of the day.
Boxing semifinals finish the day at Caritas Technical Secondary School, netball quarterfinals, volleyball and beach volleyball semifinals and hockey playoffs are also on the card.
By Joel Fitzpatrick, Games News Service

As the nation prepares for the closing ceremony of the XV Pacific Games and the departure of visiting athletes in the coming days, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. Peter O'Neill CMG MP, has thanked all teams for their participation.

"We are sorry to see friends leave our shores and we thank you for taking part in these outstanding Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea," PM O'Neill said.

"If you are a visitor, I hope your time in Papua New Guinea, and at these Games, will be amongst the proudest memories of your lifetime.

"We have witnessed outstanding competition and displays of sporting friendship.

"It was great to see the way athletes from different places and languages could break down barriers and congratulate each other and even cheer for their competitors.

"The atmosphere at the Games Village was also one of a true Pacific family and I know a lot of friendships and bonds have been made between teams and people.

"The names of all athletes, regardless of which country they came from or where they finished in their events, are etched into the history of this great sporting event.

"To have the smallest island states show such commitment to these Games, knowing some teams had to travel by several boats and planes to reach Port Moresby, is heartwarming.

"It was also good to see Aussie and Kiwi athletes participating in the Games for the first time and they added a new dimension to competition.

"To every athlete, coach, official and supporter from the competing nations, Papua New Guineas thank you for taking part in the 2015 Pacific Games."

The Prime Minister made the point that there are a number of events still to be held and many more medals to be won, and he called on the public not to miss out on the sporting spectacle of the remaining days.

"It is close at the top of the medal table and we are looking forward to some strong competition in the final events.

"I know all athletes will give it their best shot for their respective countries.

"There are still tickets for events so I hope as many people as possible can attend.

"Participating or watching Pacific Games is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many people so it is best to make the most of the chance to be a part of this great event."

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. Peter O'Neill CMG MP, has expressed ongoing confidence in the nation's growing relationship with France that is stimulating investment, business and jobs.

PM O'Neill made the comments while attending a reception for the France National Day on Tuesday.

The event was attended by the Ambassador of France to Papua Ne

w Guinea, H.E. Pascal Maubert, and Pacific Games competitors from Wallis and Futuna, New Caledonia and Tahiti.

Prime Minister O'Neill said the relationship between France and Papua New Guinea has never been better and stronger than it is today.

"More French businesses and more French people are living in Papua New Guinea than ever before," the Prime Minister said.

"This is likely to increase with the new LNG project."

"We welcome the national friendships and the business links between our two countries and our people.

"We also welcome the technical knowledge and capacity building that France offers to Papua New Guinea, to its people and businesses."

PM O'Neill said the PNG LNG Project and the Total LNG project, are playing a very important part in transforming Papua New Guinea's economy.

"The Papua LNG project will create an additional 10,000 new jobs for Papua New Guineas.

"We see this as a major expression of confidence by France and its businesses in Papua New Guinea and its economy, and we look forward to developing these opportunities together."

PM O'Neill highlighted outcomes of his recent visit to Paris where he met 30 businesses representing 60% of France's GDP, who expressed strong confidence and their desire to do business in Papua New Guinea.

"We welcome these companies that interest that they have expressed interests."

To further business engagement, the Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea is working with the French Government to open an Embassy in Paris.

He said Papua New Guinea will also continue to work closely with France on areas such climate change, which is a significant challenge for Pacific Island Nations.

As part of this policy engagement, Papua New Guinea has accepted the invitation from the French Government to chair one of the meetings taking place during the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21).

"We look forward to working closely with France at the COP21 meeting, in Paris in December."

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