The hip-hop dance team Wan Squad, who placed first at the World Hip Hop International Dance Championships while representing Papua New Guinea, has received congratulations from Prime Minister James Marape. Prime Minister Marape expressed his pride at the accomplishments and dedication of this group of young men, saying they had elevated Papua New Guinea on the international dancing scene. "I spoke to the young people at the NCD Youth Summit & Expo on Monday of last week, emphasizing the value of pursuing your passion and dedicating yourself to it.” “Wan Squad is the perfect example of this. They did not wait around for some- one to come and spoon-feed them, but found something useful and positive to engage in, committed themselves to it, and have gone on to beat the best in the world. “Hip Hop dance, music and culture is African American in origin where the music was started as a response against drugs and violence in America. It is special that our boys have gone to beat the best in the world on American home soil, the home of hip hop." “I commend them for their commitment to their craft, for working hard, and getting the recognition that they deserve.” “I also commend their sponsor Pacific Industries Ltd for its support of our boys.” “Papua New Guineans have the potential to be good in anything they set their minds to - we have pilots who are flying with some of the best airlines in the world, scientists, and professionals who are excelling in their respective fields and working in the country and overseas. “We can be anything we want to be if we commit time and effort into what we do.” “Well done, Wan Squad.” Meanwhile, the Wan Squad team will arrive back in country tomorrow, Wednesday 21st August 2024.