The PNG Games Council Executive Committee recently met in Port Moresby and deliberated on a request for the rescheduling of the 8th PNG Games from the National Government through the Sports Minister, Don Polye.
Chairman of the PNG Games Council, Albert Veratau, informed the Executive Committee that the government’s reasons were threefold.
Firstly, the government funding commitment for the Games was not released to complete Games preparations.
Secondly, Team PNG participation at the 2023 Honiara Pacific Games from November 17th to the 4th of December 2023, was too close to the PNG Games scheduled on the 6th- 16th December 2023.
And finally, the likelihood of passengers stranded at domestic airports during the Christmas/New Year peak period and for provincial teams travelling to and from the nation’s capital during that time would cause issues.
This considering the current daily trend of flight downgrades and cancellations by the national carrier Air Niugini, which has caused inconveniences for the travelling public.
Veratau appealed to the Council to reschedule the Games and move forward to the New Year when Pacific Games participants return home and the airline industry goes past the peak period.
The Executive Committee comprising of Nane Tomala- Momase Region, Vincent Pesnu- Highlands, Conrad Golumu-NGI and Henry Kavana-Southern, Auvita Rapilla- PNG Olympic Committee and Peter Aglua PNG- Sports Foundation have been recommended for the Games to be moved to the 10th-20th of January 2024.
For compliance with the PNG Games Charter, the PNG Games Council comprising of 22 provincial representatives will be invited to vote through a postal resolution to endorse the recommendation.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Games Organizing Committee, John Susuve, has applauded the Executive Committee for the wise decision.
Further stating, that the slight delay was a blessing for all provinces to complete fundraising activities and finalize logistics arrangements to take teams to Port Moresby.
He also appealed to the business and corporate organizations in the host city to come forward and assist the Games Organizing Committee to deliver a successful Game.