Dynamic duo return

By WENDY KATUSELE

COMMONWEALTH Games gold medalists Dika Toua and Steven Kari arrived to a rousing welcome at 

Jackson International Airport on Friday.

The Papua New Guinea flag was flying high as Air Niugini flight PX 1006 touched down at 12.24pm. A big crowd comprising mostly villagers from Hanuabada  in the National Capital District, where both champions hail from, cheered as their heroes arrived.

The international tarmac was packed with Air Nuigini staff and families of the athletes.

Minister for Sports and 2015 Pacific Games Justin Tkatchenko, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop and chairman of the Motu Koitabu Assembly Miria Ikupu were there to welcome the athletes.

First to step out was Toua, followed by Kari and Sir John Dawanincura, the PNG Olympic Committee president.

Vehicle horns tooted, the police cars turned on the sirens and the crowd roared with joy in unison.

The two gold medallists displayed a rare show of respect and pride when they both went down on their knees to kiss the tarmac.

Toua and Kari later joined the traditional dancers from Hanuabada sway to the beat of the Kundu.

A convoy of more than 100 vehicles with the two gold medalists travelled to Hanuabada village. It stopped at their respective homes before they all joined in a big welcome celebration at Elevala.

Many lined up the road to shake hands or give them a hug.

A motorcade around the city was held on Saturday after Prime Minister Peter O’Neill gave them K100,000 each.

The motorcade began at Parliament House and ended at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium where both athletes address a crowd there.

Toua and Kari took photos and signed autographs when meeting the crowd there.

Both encouraged youths to show discipline and commitment to achieve their dreams and most of all put God first in their lives.