IT was a colourful and bright opening ceremony that greeted Team Fiji at the Pacific Games in a packed Sir John Guise Stadium on Saturday night in Papua New Guinea.
Flag-bearer Apolonia Vaivai dressed in traditional masi led about 200 Fiji athletes on to the tracks.
The ceremony started with the 22 different provinces taking centre stage with their traditional attire, dances and music.
The beat of the kundu drums filled the Port Moresby night as the 15,000 plus crowd were kept entertained.
From the woolly wig man to the dancers of Madang, each province brought with it a unique style and truly lit up ignited the night. The television coverage allowing PNG to display its diversity and uniqueness to most in the Pacific.
The Duke of York Prince Andrew was chief guest and he praised the effort of the Pacific Games Council.
FASANOC president Joe Rodan said the event was very colourful.
“It was a great cultural experience. We got a chance to see the very different cultures this amazing land has to offer,” Rodan said.
“I felt it was quite a unique experience for the athletes and officials.”
And contrary to reports on social media that Team Fiji did not get a very welcome reception from the crowd, Rodan said there had been no complaints from the team .
Chef de mission Cathy Wong said it was one of the best opening ceremonies they had been to.
Flag-bearer Apolonia Vaivai said the crowd was amazing.
