PACIFIC Games Council President Vidhya Lakhan on Saturday praised the NMI for successfully hosting the 2022 Pacific Mini Games which ended in a closing ceremony Saturday at the Oleai Sports Complex.
“I understand this is one of the largest multi-national events that you have hosted in the NMI,” he said in his remarks. “There has been nothing but praise for the manner in which you all performed. I thank the people of the NMI and the hundreds of local and overseas volunteers for the part you all played in making this a success. You rose to the challenge and made us all proud.”
He noted that the NMI won 16 gold, 13 silver and 8 bronze medals and placed third overall in the medal tally.
“You have had your best performance ever at these games. Every citizen of the NMI must be proud of your achievements as we, the Pacific Games Council, are,” he said.
During the closing ceremony, the top athletes of the Mini Games were also honored: Papau New Guinea weightlifters Morea Baru in the men’s 61kg division and Dika Toua in the women’s 49kg. Both won three gold medals for snatch, clean & jerk and overall weight categories.
“We are here to honor two athletes who performed at exceptionally high level — their performances were world-class,” said Pacific Games Council Chief Executive Officer Andrew Minogue.
Papua New Guinea topped the medal tally with 33 gold, 28 silver and 19 bronze medals for a total of 80 medals. Tahiti was second with 22 gold, 15 silver and 21 bronze medals for a total of 58 medals.
Plaques of recognition were also given to Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Northern Marianas Sports Association President Jerry Tan, Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022 Chairman Marco Peter and CEO Ben Babauta.
The next Mini Games will be hosted by Palau in 2025.
NMI Athletes make their way at the Oleai Track & Field during the closing ceremony of the 2022 Pacific Mini Games on Saturday.
Pacific Games Council President Vidhya Lakhan delivers his closing remarks.
Pacific Mini Games CEO Andrew Minogue, acting Gov. Jude Hofschneider, Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022 CEO Ben Babauta, who holds a plaque of recognition, Pacific Games Council President Vidhya Lakhan, Northern Marianas PMG 2022 Chairman Marco Peter and Northern Marianas Sports Association President Jerry Tan pose for a photo.
Top Athlete female awardee Dika Toua of Papua New Guinea, center, poses for a photo with Pacific Mini Games CEO Andrew Minogue, acting Gov. Jude Hofschneider, Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022 CEO Ben Babauta, Pacific Games Council President Vidhya Lakhan, Northern Marianas PMG 2022 Chairman Marco Peter and Northern Marianas Sports Association President Jerry Tan.
Top Athlete male awardee Morea Baru of Papua New Guinea, center, poses for a photo with Pacific Mini Games CEO Andrew Minogue, acting Gov. Jude Hofschneider, Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022 CEO Ben Babauta, Pacific Games Council President Vidhya Lakhan, Northern Marianas PMG 2022 Chairman Marco Peter and Northern Marianas Sports Association President Jerry Tan.
