MORESBY (Post Courier)- Pacific Games Council President Vidhya Lakhan is “very much impressed” at work that is progressing so far for the 2015 Pacific Games to be held in Papua New Guinea.
He said he was also impressed at the level of support from the PNG Government, which was already “delivering on their promise” in that it was the underwriter for the 2015 Games.
He said however that, the PNG Games Host Organising Committee should not depend on this but should also seek corporate support to support them run the games.
Lakhan was speaking Thursday at a press conference following a series of high profile meetings with various groups and organisations and the National Government, since arriving in the country last Monday.
The Pacific Games Council president emphasised to the media at the Port Moresby Golf Club that for the preparation of the Games to be progressed, two committees needed to be in place.
Firstly, the Games Organising Committee – who would plan and deliver the game to the people; and the facilities sub-committee be set up to deliver the Government’s commitment to the games.
Secretary General of the PNG Sports Federation Sir John Dawanincura informed that the two interim committees had already been formed.
He said the 2015 Pacific Games Interim Games Organising Committee already had 11 members while the venue infrastructure and equipment committee (VIEC) would have a membership of 13, with Graeme Osborne as the chairman of the committee.
Sir John said however that drafting of legislation was now being done and once completed would be submitted to the National Executive Council for its endorsement and subsequently for the legislation to be voted for in the House for it to become an Act of Parliament.
“At this stage we are looking for this legislation to be tabled by the June sitting of Parliament.”
CEO of the Sports Foundation and SP Games golden girl Iamo Launa said it was imperative that existing facilities be upgraded and new ones built, so that PNG athletes could begin their training programs.
Mel Donald representing the PNG National Olympic Committee and a member of the VIEC said this committee played a major role and was part of the process in the organisation of the Games.
“We have five and a half years left to the Games and the committee is looking at all existing venues and Games village at UPNG and stadiums.”
Alternative venues are also being considered.
Games council president, Lakhan returned to Fiji on Friday.
By ALFRED KANINIBA
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