Papua New Guinea announces bid for Commonwealth Games as Pacific Games end on a high

Port Moresby’s hosting of the 2015 Pacific Games came to an last Saturday night with a surprise parting announcement that Papua New Guinea is planning to bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Confirmation of the bid came from Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio at the closing ceremony.

Speaking to a packed Sir John Guise Stadium, Sir Michael stated “can Papua New Guinea host a Commonwealth Games?"

As the cheers went up, he told the athletes and spectators that "yes, together we can!", adding “Papua New Guinea must bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games here in Port Moresby, and at venues around the country.”

The excitement was not over for the locals as Pacific Games Council President Vidhya Lakhan announced the inaugural winners of the best male and female athletes of 2015.

The women's award went to New Caledonia's record-breaking multi-gold-medal-winning swimmer Lara Grangeon.

But the biggest cheer was reserved for the local hero Ryan Pini, who took the men's award for his seven gold medals in the pool.

Port Moresby was Pini's fifth and last Pacific Games, and he will now turn his attention to representing athletes on the Pacific Games Council for the next four years after being voted in by his peers.

His focus will be on the next Pacific Games in Tonga, which have been cast into doubt with the Tonga Government claiming it does not have adequate funds to host the event.

However, Sir Michael told the Tongan delegation at the closing ceremony in Port Moresby that Papua New Guinea was ready and willing to assist Tonga to ensure the games went ahead.

In taking on the Pacific Games mantle, Tonga's Games Organising Committee President Lady Robyn Tu'ivakano told the Port Moresby crowd “you have left a legacy to be cherished by all of us here.”

Tonga will host the 16th Pacific Games in 2019.

Images show the closing ceremony for the 2015 Pacific Games (top) and members of the host nation's team (below).

7th July 2015 - TONGA PLANS TOURISM GROWTH

5th July 2015 - 2015 PACIFIC GAMES OPENS IN PORT MORESBY

19th June 2015 - NEWLY BUILT TAURAMA AQUATIC CENTRE SET FOR PRE PACIFIC GAMES TEST

30th March 2015 - WOMEN BEHIND THE DELIVERY OF PNG’S PACIFIC GAMES