Ume gets nod as male flag bearer

TWO-TIME Commonwealth Games representative and Pacific Games gold medallist John Ume has been named as Team Papua New Guinea’s male flag bearer to the Commonwealth Games in the United Kingdom.
The boxer will now join fellow Olympian and Commonwealth Games representative Rellie Kaputin as Team PNG’s flag bearers for the opening ceremony tomorrow (Friday morning, PNG time).
PNG Commonwealth Games Association president Sir John Dawanincura made the announcement during a meet-and-greet event held by the Papua New Guinean community of Birmingham.
Ume, from Mekeo, Kairuku, Central, said he was humbled by the news and encouraged fellow Team PNG athletes to do their best in the Games.
“We are prepared, so let’s go out and do our best,” the 25-year-old said.
Rellie shared a similar sentiment, urging the athletes “to represent PNG in the red, black and gold colours with pride”.
Meanwhile, the country’s six boxers – like the rest of Team PNG – are continuing to train hard as they finalise their preparations for the Games.
“It has been smooth progress so far,” boxing team manager Raphaela Kaore said.
“We go in for the draw entries on Wednesday with the weigh-in to follow on Friday.”