The baton relay for the Pacific Games was started by the Chieftain of the Mountain men from Mt Modawa and a cult Higiva man, locally respected for their monk like traditions who choose to wear no clothing.

There were no photos today as the Oil Search Pacific Games Relay went island hopping through the friendly D’entrecasteaux Islands to what is called the happiest place in Papua New Guinea.

The Relay left the flat island of Kiriwina for the mountainous Goodenough Island.  Here the schools of Peter Torot Community and Santa Maria Secondary ran the Relay through Wataluma.

The press statement reported a visit to Bolobolu Station and a Relay around its outskirts before a warm welcome with gifts of yams so large the team struggled to get them on the helicopter.

The District President spoke of how the Baton’s arrival was an omen and that after 40 years the rest of Papua New Guinea had not forgotten them.

From there the Relay flew to Esa’ala on Normanby Island for a Relay around the main oval with former athletes and the community, including showing off the large road machinery delivered to construct roads in the area, before departing for Dobu Island on the traditional epoi paddling canoes.

Dobu island community greeted the Baton with great friendliness and song and dance. The Baton toured the old stone church built in 1929 and was blessed by the church pastor at the memorial commemorating the arrival of the first missionaries in 1891.

Next was another canoe trip before the Baton arrived at Epepowa on Fergusson Island for an afternoon of dancing, song and traditional singsing, with the Relay team, in what may be the happiest place in Papua New Guinea.

Four beautiful islands in one day, the Baton retired to Deidei for a village overnight stay.

The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay will continue its Milne Bay experience at Samarai and Sidea tomorrow.