Team Papua New Guinea ended the Mini Pacific Games with flying colours, topping the medals tally with a total of 80 medals in Saipan, Northern Marianas.
They returned with 33 gold, 28 silver and 19 bronze.
Not only did team PNG top the tally, weightlifting pair Dika Toua and Morea Baru were named among the outstanding athletes of the Games.
Chef de mission Kila Dick said PNG’s campaign produced a lot of success stories and positive results.
“Morea set a new record during the Games,” he said.
“Dika was inducted into the world weightlifting Hall of Fame.
“They we’re also announced as the best athletes of the Games during the closing ceremony.
“We won medals in almost all the events in which we competed.”
Dick said the team were competitive against other Pacific Island nations in tennis, va’a, golf, weightlifting and athletics.
The team started on a high note with tennis being the first to register a medal through the Apisah sisters and their aunty.
“We had Violet and Abigail, they started the by winning the first medal in the doubles”, Dick said.
“That set the platform for our athletes.
“Dika and Morea won three gold each.
“Our va’a teams also did well with the women taking bronze.
“Then the athletics team wrapped up the Games.
“I’m delighted with the results.
“Many of our athletes lived up to expectation.
“Although we only entered five sports, our athletes were consistent.” Dick thanked the PNG Olympic Committee, sponsors, athletes, technical staff and the public for their support.
SOURCE: THE NATIONAL/PACNEWS
