Flag-bearer wins award

Sports

By Martha Deruage
Dual para-athlete Vero Nime was named the best athlete with a disability at the SP Sports Awards in Port Moresby on Saturday, capping off a remarkable rise.
Nime represented Papua New Guinea in shot put at the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby, but was encouraged by executive Rea Loi to also compete in table tennis.
Competing in the Oceania Para Table Tennis Championships in Fiji last year, Nime won bronze in the singles category.
At last year’s Pacific Mini Games in Port Vila, Vanuatu, she competed in both sports, winning bronze in shot put.
“I’d like to thank everyone who worked hard to make this night possible,” Nime said when receiving the award.
“Thank you Papua New Guinea Olympic committee, SP Brewery, corporate sponsors, invited guests and athletes.
The 35-year-old Chimbu women said she was proud to be recognised for her achievements, with her latest being Papua New Guinea’s flag-bearer at the opening of the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia last month.
Nime was shortlisted for the award alongside fellow table tennis player Haoda Agari and sprinter Steven Allen.