Oil Search Pacific Games Relay visits Parliament

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill with
Games Relay Baton

Yesterday the Oil Search Pacific Games Relay continued its journey around NCD with the Moresby Northeast electorate hosting the Baton.

The Relay began its run at Parliament House where it was honoured by the Prime Minister accepting the Baton inside the House before carrying it outside to the dramatic front steps.

Here the gathered media and a colourful sing sing group greeted the Prime Minister as he handed the Baton to Oil Search Ambassador Gerea Aopi, who in turn passed it on to NCD Governor Powes Parkop, and then to Moresby North-east MP Labi Amaiu.

Hon. Labi Amaiu took the Baton through the gates of parliament where he was then swamped by people trying to touch the Baton as it began its Relay through the electorate.

Thousands turned out along the way to show their support for Team PNG and to take their part in the Relay.

Next the Relay wound its way, slowly, down Independence Drive and Boroko Drive before heading through the schools and playing fields of Bisini, down past the Taurama Aquatic Centre and through Boroko before ending at Jack Pidik Park.

The afternoon saw the Relay visit a number of Games sponsors, including PNG Power at their headquarters, Coke, Brian Bell and the SP Brewery.

The Relay also took the opportunity to visit the wonderful children at Cheshire Homes. Here the kids were all given the chance to touch the Baton and to shake hands and cuddle Tura, the Games Mascot.

The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay continues its three days of Relays tomorrow, with Thursday being the Moresby South relay and Friday the remaining Hiri west villages with the NCD finale at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium from 5pm