Games stutter

By LESLIE OMARO
DAY one of the 5th PNG Games got underway in Kokopo yesterday amid changes to draws and other hiccups.
Competition began for basketball, soccer, touch rugby, boxing, volleyball, hockey, netball and hockey.
However, volleyball and basketball had to postpone some of their games because of rain.
The washed-out matches have been rescheduled for today before the Day 2 matches begin.
The one-day bodybuilding competition will take place today.
A weigh-in session for bodybuilders was held yesterday to finalise preparations for the much-anticipated competition, which ends with the the medal presentation in the afternoon.
A major issue affecting Games was the late arrival and withdrawal of several teams.
The late arrival of these teams has affected the initial draws for most sports, which have been amended to cater for the changes.
The women’s hockey match between Morobe and Eastern Highlands was postponed to today because of the late arrival of Team Eastern Highlands.
Team Gulf basketball team and Team Sandaun have not yet arrived in Kokopo and their matches have been rescheduled.
Team Western have some of their players stranded in Port Moresby while Team Simbu are also facing a similar situation with half their athletes and officials yet to arrive.
It was confirmed yesterday that Team Enga would not participate because of financial problems.
The Games Host Organising Committee said it would not allow forfeiture of games at this early stage of competition to enable the teams to get to Kokopo.