Team PNG plant seedlings to mark Games countdown

Sports

By ISAAC LIRI
Team Papua New Guinea began their 100-day countdown to the Pacific Games in Samoa by planting 100 mangrove seedlings at Gabagaba village in Central on Friday.
Several national federations gearing up for the Games commemorated the event along with staff of the PNG Olympic Committee.
Team PNG chef de mission Emma Waiwai said they were partners with the United Nations therefore it was fitting to carry out such an act to show that they were supporting their goals in looking after the environment.
“We planted mangroves because we not only want to be champion athletes but we want to also be responsible ones,” Waiwai said.
“The athletes are the ones who will take the message back into their communities and encourage people not to throw plastic bags into the sea.
“Athletes must not forget that they are very influential because they are the country’s heroes.
“Planting mangroves also shows that we are responsible citizens of this country.
“We are not only going to show that here in PNG but in Samoa as well.
“We are going bring that message when we attend the games.”
Waiwai urged the media to help get the country behind the team.
“From now on, I want to see a story of Team PNG in the papers, over the radio and on TV,” Waiwai said.
“We have 26 sports so I am sure that the media can carry at least one story on the team every day.
“We have enough athletes to write and talk about right up until and during the Games.
“Having stories about Team PNG out there will create excitement among our people.
“It will also motivate our athletes, knowing that the country is behind them.”