New era of Pacific sports: Tkatchenko

 SPORTS Minister Justin Tkatchenko thanked his ministerial counterparts from Pacific nations for their support to Papua New Guinea in hosting the XV Pacific Games.

Speaking after meetings with ministers from competing nations, Tkatchenko said he appreciated the gratitude expressed from around the Pacific.

“The genuine thanks that Papua New Guinea has received from our Pacific brothers and sisters has been overwhelming,” he said.

“These Games are being played in the best organised and constructed facilities ever-built for the Games.

“We have demonstrated our leadership role in the Pacific and this has been most appreciated by visiting athletes, the coaches and officials, through to their ministers.

“This is the start of a new era in Pacific sporting competition!

“In discussions with my counterpart ministers, I have assured them that PNG will continue to extend access to our facilities for the betterment of Pacific sports.”

Tkatchenko said he had discussions with the Tonga’s Minister for Sports and the chair of Tonga’s Games committee.

“I have assured our friends from Tonga that PNG would pass on our knowledge and experience to support their hosting of the Pacific Games in 2019.”