Vele and Mara to carry PNG Flag at the Paris Olympic Games

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee today announced Georgia-Leigh Vele and Gibson Mara as the flag bearers for Team PNG at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

This prestigious honour recognizes their outstanding achievements and contributions to their respective sports and the national sporting community.

Vele, 25, of Kalo village in Central province is renowned for her competence in swimming, particularly the 50m Freestyle and emerged as a standout athlete during the recent Pacific Games and Oceania Championship.

Vele secured a bronze medal in the 50m Breaststroke in the 2023 Pacific Games, distinguishing herself as the sole swimmer from Team PNG to reach the podium.

Her outstanding performance continued into 2024 with a bronze in the 50m Butterfly at the Oceania Championships, alongside significant contributions to multiple relay medals, including Silver in the 4 x 100m Freestyle and 4 x 100m Mixed Freestyle relays, and Bronze in the 4 x 200m Freestyle and 4 x 100m Medley relays.

Team PNG Chef de Mission and former Olympian Ryan Pini said Vele's remarkable achievements and steadfast dedication to swimming made her an exemplary representative of Team PNG.

"Her journey is an inspiration to all athletes in Papua New Guinea, and we are excited to see her lead our delegation in Paris," Pini said.

Despite narrowly missing out on Tokyo 2020 Olympics, her unwavering determination and improvement finished in a personal best at the April 2024 Oceania Championships in the 50m Freestyle.

Apart from her athletic achievements, Vele embodies leadership, regularly mentoring young swimmers and exemplifying dedication to the sport and community.

Joining her as flag bearer is Gibson Mara, of West and East New Britain mix parentage.

The 25-year-old represents Taekwondo in the +80 kg category and his selection highlights his remarkable journey in the sport.

Despite being relatively new, Mara's commitment and sacrifices pushed him through National Championships, Pacific Games, and the Olympic Qualification event in the Solomon Islands.

“Seeing Gibson's journey from a newcomer to an Olympic flag bearer is a testament to his incredible dedication and hard work," Pini said.

"His story of perseverance and passion for Taekwondo is one that resonates with all of us. We are proud to have him represent Papua New Guinea at the opening ceremony."

Pini expressed that both Vele and Mara embody the spirit of excellence and perseverance that defines Team PNG.

As flag bearers, they will lead the Team PNG contingent at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, symbolizing Papua New Guinea's commitment to sporting achievement and unity on the global stage.

Both athletes welcomed the announcement and pledged to make the country proudl through their performance.

"This means a lot to me [being appointed as the male official flag bearer for Team PNG] and I'm grateful for this opportunity to lead Team PNG out for the opening ceremony. It is a great boost for me to represent my country well and the sport of Taekwondo at the Olympics," Mara said.

"Being chosen as a flag bearer is not merely a ceremonial role but a symbol of leadership, unity and pride for our entire team.

"It signifies the years of dedication, hard work and sacrifice, not just by me but all the athletes, coaches and supporters who have contributed to our journey to the Olympic Games.

"It's an honor to lead our talented team of athletes who embody the values of determination, resilience and sportsmanship," Vele said on her appointment as female flag bearer.