Oil Search Pacific Games Relay in South Coast, Madang Province

Today the Oil Search Pacific Games Relay took the south coast road down to the Gogol River. The road wound through cocoa and betel nut gardens to be met by former Transgogol District member, Boka Malai and then onto the Transgogol High School.

Principal Ben Tangaling wished all in Team PNG to strive for Gold as all in his community sent their best to the team.

Tura made a rock star appearance to loud music and the crowd went wild.
The relay then passed many villages and schools including Bau primary School, Alene Primary School then went up to the Suyau Mountains to the village of Ohu.

Ohu is home to a 400-hectare butterfly conservation project protecting rare species including the Birdwind Butterfly.

Project leader Hais Wasel welcomed the relay and spoke on the importance of the relay visiting small and rural communities, that usually missed out on such opportunities, to be involved in national events.

At Yasau village the relay team was greeted by their singsing group, that took the baton in place of their own kundus, and partied for the village crowd.

The relay team presented the Yasau Elementary School with 150 colouring in books produced by UNICEF featuring the Pacific Games countries and Tura.

From there the relay changed pace and dropped in at the NSL soccer league match between Madang FC and Besta Lae, as the players warmed up.

Governor Kas received the baton from the Tusbab School athletics team and took the baton across the oval before the gathering crowds for the match.

The Oil Search Pacific Games relay now heads out by boat to Krangket Island before taking on the north coast tomorrow.

 

Photo credit: madNESS photography