Pacific Games comes to an end with much celebration

With fireworks, music, grass skirts and a sample of the Pacific’s rich and diverse culture, Port Moresby said a fond goodbye to the 2015 Pacific Games in last night’s closing ceremony at BSP Stadium.

President of the Pacific Games Council Vidhya Lakhan from Fiji proclaimed the Port Moresby 2015 Pacific Games an “outstanding Games that surpassed all expectations” as he declared the Games closed and started a night that brought the whole of Papua New Guinea to the party.

Lakhan said he hopes the Games will leave something to remember for the host city, while giving Tonga 2019 something to aim for.

Lakhan did not forget the stars of the show, the athletes, who he said had exceeded expectations – particularly those from PNG.

The Governor General of Papua New Guinea, Michael Ogio started proceedings by proclaiming that PNG should bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, a suggestion that drew applause from the thousands of athletes, volunteers and spectators who had come out for the fun.

Papua New Guinea’s athlete Ryan Pini was awarded the best male athlete of the Games award while and best female athlete was awarded to New Caledonia’s Lara Grangeon.

Looking at the official medal tally, Papua New Guinea has won this year’s Pacific Games with 88 gold, 69 silver and 60 bronze medals, New Caledonia came second with 59 gold, 50 silver and 56 bronze, Tahiti finished in third place with 39 gold 34 silver and 40 bronze medals while Fiji ended at fourth place with 33 gold, 44 silver and 37 bronze medals.

Fijivillage Pacific Games Medal Tally

Full Pacific Games Medal Tally