Games Baton arrives in Mendi

 HUNDREDS of school children from Southern Highlands had the chance to see and hold the Pacific Games Relay Baton at Momei Oval in Mendi yesterday.

Crowds turned up at the Mendi airport to welcome the Oil Search Pacific Games Relay team and then headed straight to Momei Oval.

Oil Search managing director Peter Botten was delighted by the reaction of the people and children.

“Oil Search is rooted here and the cheers and warm welcome have brought joy to my heart and I’m in high spirits,” he said.

“I know that the Games will be hosted successfully as there is feeling of patriotism and nationalism, especially in the grassroots people.”

Botten said not everyone would be able to travel to Port Moresby to watch the Games but the arrival of the baton was an opportunity for people to be part  of the team.

“In the New Guinea Islands, the baton was taken underwater by the Walindi diving team from East New Britain and then hoisted from the highest mountain in PNG, Mt Wilhelm, in Chimbu.”

Southern Highlands provincial administrator Joe Kaiyo said the arrival of the baton in the province had given confidence to the people who will offer their prayers and support for a successful Games.

“Though sea, rivers and mountains have divided us, the baton has united all of us as a team giving confidence to our organisers,” he said.