East Sepik represents nation with distinction

By PATRICIA KEAMO
EAST Sepik represented Papua New Guinea with distinction over the weekend as the country’s host of the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s baton relay, according to an official.
Coordinator Charles Kaprangi told The National yesterday that there were challenges in hosting the relay, which is held prior to every Commonwealth Games, but all stakeholders ensured that it was a success.
The baton passed through Wewak, Angoram, Wosera-Gawi, Ambunti-Dreikikir and Maprik, making PNG the 31st country of the Commonwealth and the first in Oceania to host the relay for the Birmingham Games.

Upon its arrival at Boram Airport in Wewak on Saturday morning, East Sepik Governor Allan Bird received the baton before it was taken by bearers to Kreer Heights to visit the burial site of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
The baton bearers included Sir Michael’s son, Michael Somare Jr, sports personnel, provincial administration staff and people with disabilities.

Yesterday’s programme for the baton to visit Wewak Islands didn’t eventuate due to the weather, however, the baton visited Boikin, Kambaramba, Chambri Lakes, Ambunti and finished at Maprik around 5pm before returning to Village Inn.
The relay included the different tribes of East Sepik showcasing traditional dances and bonfire with the baton flown to Kairiru’s hot springs, Sepik River, the floating village (Kambaramba) and Chambri Lakes.
The baton was taken to Ambunti, the home of the crocodile festival, before it visited the late Sir Peter Lus’ burial site in Maprik.

“I’m sure what we did here to showcase the province has made the country proud,” Kaprangi said.
“Although there were challenges, quick thinking and decision making by the team ensuredd the success of the relay.”
The baton will be received at the Jackson International Airport by Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae today for a sunset reception at the Government House this evening before it leaves for the Solomon Islands tomorrow.