Kokopo’s ready

KOKOPO, East New Britain, is ready to deliver the 5th Papua New Guinea Games (Nov 19-30) starting with the opening ceremony today.
The spirit of the games is certainly in the air and evidence of that was written all over the town and nearby villages with everyone – children, mothers, fathers and the elderly – all in the Games mood.
Such is the hype, excitement and passion for the games that local residents have been seen putting up flags on their rooftops, on their fences and vehicles. 
The locals have supported other provinces.
Kokopo has seen an influx of athletes, officials, supporters and media personnel, resulting in the town’s population doubling.
Guest house owners, local eateries, market vendors, bus drivers, tucker shop owners and supermarkets are cashing in.Games souvenirs from provincial flags to T-shirts are selling out on road side markets, shops and supermarkets.
Even resorts, lodges and guests houses, hotels in and around Kokopo  are reportedly fully booked rooms available.Kokopo will be tested in its capacity to handle some 8,000 athletes and officials including visitors from all over country.Security will also be tested and the police have the challenging task of keeping the peace and ensuring a safe PNG Games.
Host Organising Committee chairman Sir RabbieNamaliu has expressed faith in his committees who have done a commendable job getting the games ready on time.
The opening ceremony opens today at 6am with a big bang starting with musical entertainment from some of the East New Britain’s most popular artists.
Former rugby league star Terry Longbut and NBC’s new personality Anne Sapias will be in charge of the eight-hour opening ceremony which will feature appearance by provincial teams, contemporary dances performances by Natiding Arts troupe and the releasing of colored balloons signifying the opening the games.To top off the day’s activities a huge fireworks display will light up the Kokopo Sports Grounds at 7pm signaling the start of the two-week event.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill will deliver the keynote address and declaration of the 5th PNG Games and sporting facilities late in the afternoon.
Other dignitaries at the opening will be East New Britain Governor and Kokopo MP EremanToBaining and Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko.
National Games Committee chairperson Iamo Launa will lead the Games oath.
Defending champions National Capital District’s last contingent touched down at the Tokua Airport after lunch yesterday.
Also arriving yesterday were NCD governor PowesParkop with the team members from Oro, Milne Bay, East Sepik, Eastern Highlands and Madang.
HOC Sports Coordinator Samu Sasama confirmed in an interview yesterday all of the sporting venues were ready with just a few adding their finishing touches.
“The venues are all ready. It’s just a few things like the basketball courts that needs only markings other than that everything is ready,” Sasamu said.