Port Moresby have conducted a test event at the recently-renovated Sir John Guise stadium ©Port Moresby 2015

Port Moresby 2015 have staged a test event at the recently-renovated Sir John Guise Stadium ahead of this year’s Pacific Games, which is due to begin with the Opening Ceremony on July 4.

Around 15,000 spectators piled into the Stadium for a rugby league match between the Papua New Guinea SP Hunters and Logan Magpies in an Intrust Super Cup contest, and some fans even had to be turned away due to the high demand.

The arena, named after a former Governor General in Papua New Guinea who was instrumental in them gaining independence from Australia in 1975, will host athletics, rugby, hockey and beach volleyball during the Games, as well as the Opening Ceremony.

Fireworks were set off ahead of the match, which the home side won 34-12, to mark the opening of the Stadium, and 617 volunteers helped with preparations and the event itself.

It has also been announced that a test event will take place at the newly-built Taurama Aquatic Centre on Sunday (June 21).

The newly-built Taurama Aquatic Centre will be tested this coming weekend as preparations for the Pacific Games continue
The newly-built Taurama Aquatic Centre will be tested this coming weekend as preparations for the Pacific Games continue ©Port Moresby 2015

“This is just the beginning of the sporting revolution, as the National Government is committed to improving sports in the country,” Minister for Sports and Pacific Games Justin Tkatchenko said.

“You are part of the change.

“Supporter-ownership is the future.”

The event gave Port Moresby 2015 the opportunity to test their preparations ahead of the Pacific Games, which is widely expected to be the biggest event ever held in the country.

“The test event is a perfect opportunity to fine-tune our preparations and hone our staff’s operational readiness,” Port Moresby 2015 chief executive officer Peter Stewart said.

“From these events, we will refine our plans based on any issues that may arise.”

As many as 3,000 athletes from 21 nations are set to compete across 28 different sports at the Pacific Games, which run for over a fortnight, coming to a conclusion with the Closing Ceremony on July 18.

The hosts have targeted 120 medals from the event.



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