The 15th Pacific Games is currently underway in Port Moresby after it was opened by the Duke of York Prince Andrew on Saturday, 4 July at Sir John Guise stadium.

Some of the Tongan representatives joined more than 5000 athletes and 2000 officials from around the region at the Games.

Tongan athletes from soccer, tennis; touch rugby, rugby 7s, and weightlifting with officials represented Tonga at the opening ceremony. Also present was Chef de Mission Viliami Takau Jr,  President of the Weightlifting Committee Kisione Fakafanua and Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Fe’ao Vakata.

The Duke of York thanked Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and the people of PNG for their tireless work over the past six-years to host the Games, which is held every four-years.

O’Neill said their preparation especially with the construction of sports venues is in the hope that it will develop sports in the Pacific region and better prepare athletes for the Commonwealth Games and Olympics.

In addition, this is the first time New Zealand and Australia are taking part in the Games although they would only be competing in rugby 7s, weightlifting, taekwondo and sailing.

Left behind

Meanwhile, it is understood that there are four remaining Sports teams in Tonga who intended to travel to Papua New Guinea for the XV Pacific Games, who were left behind the advance party of officials.

The Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Dr Saia Piukala in calling for a press conference this afternoon said the situation of the remaining teams was "serious and important" and that a resolution for their situation needs to be found.