The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay made its first appearance in the Highlands, landing at Goroka, welcomed by a traditional meet and greet with the famous Asaro Mudmen, and singsing groups.
The singsing group comprised of students from the Mt Sion Centre for the Blind.
The Baton travelled to Massy village, in the Eastern Highlands Province, for a traditional welcoming from tribe members, gathered in the church yard gates.
Minister for Lands, Benny Allen, officiated the procession, handing it over to the village chief.
The proceedings of the relay began around Goroka town, with more than 25,000 people joining in the celebrations and embracing the baton’s visit.
Papua New Guinea’s distance runners, Martha Goiye, Skene Kiage, Abel Siune, and Saploai Yao led the relay, doing a round trip to Mount Kiss, and later handed over the Baton to games sponsors, corporate entities, and the Goroka Lahanis.
The relay concluded at the National Sport Institute oval, in a joint event with relay partner UNICEF’s ‘Just Play’ program, with Tura, the games mascot.
The Oil Search Pacific Games relay continues, as they travel to the town of Yonki today.
