Oil Search Pacific Games Relay in the Markham and Huon Districts, Morobe Province

Erap Primary School studetns run with the Baton 

The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay today arrived in Morobe Province where it will attempt to travel to all nine districts within the province

The day began out at Markham district with the long drive down to Ramu Agri Industries at Gusap from where it slowly made its way back into Lae city.

The Baton travelled via foot, bicycles, motorbikes, trucks and tractors past the industrial centre of Papua New Guinea, including a lunch stop at the Rumion piggery where the staff had prepared special roast pig for the team.

At Nowa Primary School a large sing sing group helped hand the Baton across to Huon District and MP Ross Seymoo.

The leaders accepted the Baton astride horses and then trotted down the highway before handing it over to the next runners.

By this point the convoy of vehicles making its way down the Highlands Highway through the Markham Valley numbered over 30, all with large flags flying, and causing minor traffic jams whenever it stopped.

The Relay stopped at every school along the way and thousands of children lined the highway for an opportunity to touch and see the Baton.

Erap Primary School stretched for over one kilometre along the roadside chanting “Go PNG, Go For Gold”.

The crowd was a little boisterous throwing not only flowers at the convoy but some painful branches as well before the rain came down and the team abandoned the back of utilities for cover.

A long day supported by over 20,000 people from across the two districts.

The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay heads to Bulolo and Salamaua tomorrow.

Photo credit: madNess Photography