Oil Search Pacific Games Relay in Vanimo

The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay travelled its first 1,000 km yesterday flying to Vanimo. Met by a very excited Deputy Governor, Paul Negai and his provincial government representatives at the airport. The Deputy Governor gave a warm message of welcome and expressed his gratitude that West Sepik was recognised with the honour of being first province on the relay journey.

The town came out to follow the relay as it was run through Vanimo by many of the Games sponsors.

BSP (official sponsor) branch manager, Karen George, explained how important it was that the rural branches got to take part in their bit of the Pacific Games. The staff of the branch ran with their families chanting all the way, led by their security manager John Mobiha.Vanimo town was resplendent in colourful welcome banners and the Vanimo Primary School created their own welcome banner also. The day was a picture perfect tropical day with an azure sea lapping against the white sandy beach, just across theroad from the school. Runners from the school and the Vanimo Hospital ran the baton down the beach road and along the beach. School teacher, Rose Koni, 

described the day as “a great day for Vanimo.”The baton was welcomed to the Vanimo (Forward Operations) Barracks with soldiers letting off dramatic purple smoke grenades. Their formation run was then passed over to the provincial Police Commander Robin Gesa and some of his troops for the 

final leg.Today the Oil Search Pacific Games Relay heads to inner West Sepik aiming for the 

Star Mountains and Frieda River