Team settle in at Games

THE Team PNG contingent to the 2017 Youth Commonwealth Games arrived safely in Nassau, Bahamas, on Monday.
So far from home, the 16-member team including chef de mission Michael Henao, were surprised to be greeted by Papua New Guinean missionaries serving aboard the mv Logos Hope who happened to be in Nassau.
“It was a pleasant surprise and one which served to lift the team’s spirit given we’re so far from home. On the team’s behalf I thank the Papua New Guinean crew of the Logos Hope for inspiring us and making us feel welcome,” Henao said.
“The team have quickly adapted to the Bahamian climate and the Bahamian people have been warm and friendly and very welcoming indeed,” Henao added.
Henao was satisfied with the level of preparedness at the Games and acknowledged the organising committee for their efforts, wishing them the best for a successful Commonwealth Youth Games.   Since arriving in Nassau, Team PNG’s physio, Simon Morris, has conducted screenings for each athlete and is confident all eight are fit and healthy to compete.
Team PNG kicked off its campaign on Tuesday with the beach volleyball pair Tonnie Gima and Damien Aisi going up against Ghana. The two young men made some strong hits but unfortunately lost 2-0.
The team was all set and participated in the opening ceremony which commenced at 6pm Bahamian time on Tuesday (which was 8am yesterday in PNG time).
Henao congratulated the athletes on their selection to represent the country and to proudly carry the hopes and dreams of eight million Papua New Guineans.