Team PNG farewelled

PARA athlete Vero Nime has been named the flag bearer for Team PNG at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
This will be the first time for PNG to have a para athlete lead the side at the opening ceremony.
The announcement was made by the Team PNG chef de mission Tamzin Wardley during a farewell function for the team last night at the Oil Search National Football Stadium club lounge.
Wardley said: “The Commonwealth Games prides itself as a truly inclusive multi-sport event and the games have included para athletes alongside their able bodied counterparts. This has helped to maintain the Commonwealth Games’ image as the friendly games.”
Nime, who is 35-years-old and hails from Kunidawa, Chimbu, will represent the country in table tennis.
She has represented the country previously in short put.
An emotional Nime said: “I feel very humbled to have been chosen as the country’s flag bearer at this event. This is a blessing and an honour for a para athlete like myself to have.
“This is a very special place to showcase PNG, flying our flag among all the other Commonwealth nations.”
The athletes were given extra incentive by the Sports Vice Minister Wesley Raminai, who announced that the O’Neill/Abel Government would be rewarding medal winners at the Commonwealth Games with gold medallists receiving K100,000, silver medallists K50 000 and bronze medal winners K25,000.
Raminai stated: “The Government recognises the importance sports plays in nation building.
“Members of Team PNG will be joining a select group of individuals who have performed with distinction for our country. The high standards of discipline that you must abide by at this event as good ambassadors of PNG.
“The government is ready to reward those who put our country on the world map.”