Oil Search Pacific Games Relay in East New Britain Province
The Baton flew into Tokua airport along with the victorious SP Hunters who took the opportunity to get a photo with the Baton.
Met at the airport by Governor Eraman ToBaining Jr and Sir Paulius Matane, former Governor General of Papua New Guinea, the Baton received a rousing welcome by three different choirs.
The Relay headed out to the famous Bitapaka War cemetery where it was carried in by the caretaker through a guard of honour formed by the local community.
Local children then ran a Relay with the Baton around the cemetery garden walls.
A Tolai youth then took the Baton over his head and took part in the Tolai whip dance initiation with village elders, including Sir Matane cracking the kanda whips across his torso.
The Relay then drove out to the borders of the Pomio District to be escorted across the 30 year old temporary bridge over the Warangoi River.
The Pomio community led by new MP Elias Kapabore and two Pomio Tumbuans walked the bridge before handing the Baton back to the Tolai community, accompanied by yet more whip dances.
The Relay then made a visit to Colorbond Stadium, in Kokopo, for the Agmark Gurias, visiting team the Snax Tigers, and the local crowd to see the Baton.
A formal function complete with mumu, at Rapopo Plantation resort completed the day.
The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay heads out into Simpson harbour today to visit the Duke of York Islands and old Rabaul town.
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