Athletes told to inspire country

**Sprinter Leroy Kamau will be determined to rebound from a false start in the 100m final of last month’s Pacific Mini Games.**

TEAM Papua New Guinea have been called upon to be symbols of hope and positivity for the country during the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the United Kingdom.
The opening ceremony of the Games will be held on Thursday (5am on Friday, PNG time).
In their first team meeting at the Commonwealth Games Village in Birmingham on Sunday, chef de mission Michael Henao told the athletes, officials and management team about the importance of their campaign.

**Central native Karo Iga will compete in javelin.**

He said returning with good results could have a positive impact on the lives of Papua New Guineans back home and abroad.
“Our country is going through one of the most challenging general elections since Independence in 1975,” Henao said.
“Yet you are here, having earned your spot in Team PNG, showing Papua New Guineans and the World about what we can achieve as a nation if we commit ourselves to hard work and strive for success.”

**Squash player Madako Suari preparing for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the United Kingdom. – teampngpics**

A meet-and-greet with the Papua New Guinean community in Birmingham has been organised for today.
Since arriving into Birmingham, Team PNG has hit the ground running, going straight into training with the beginning of the Games just a few days away.
Arriving in Birmingham yesterday, swimmers Ryan Maskelyne and Georgia-Leigh Vele were the last of the 33 athletes to join Team PNG.
Team PNG will compete in athletics, boxing, squash, swimming, table tennis and weightlifting.