Team PNG ready to shine in Olympics as Paris stages eye-catching opening ceremony

Team PNG contingent at the opening ceremony in Seine (Supplied)

Papua New Guinea joined the rest of the countries in an epic opening ceremony to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, officially kicking off the prestigious sports event.

The official opening was staged Saturday morning (4am PNG time) at River Seine where athletes and performers gathered in wet conditions before the Eiffel Tower was blown up in spectacular colors.

The games were declared open by International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach after the glowing balloon flew into the night sky, marking the start of the ultimate sports show in the world.

Earlier, Team PNG contingent led by Chef de Mission Ryan Pini and flag bearers Gibson Mara and Georgia-Leigh Vele were loaded on sailing yachts for the eye-catching event which was dubbed as one of the most iconic opening ceremonies staged in the heart of the city.

Team PNG sailed through Seine as people cheered hem on with the rest of athletes around the world.

“In the true spirit of Sport, our Flagbearers, Gibson Mara and Georgia-Leigh Vele led the team as we waved our flags and flew our colors of Red, Black and Gold high with pride despite the wet conditions,” Team PNG shared on its social media platform.

Eiffel tower lit up in night sky (Supplied)

“Paros 2024 delivered a spectacular event along the River Seine which ended with the declaration of the Opening of the Games by the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach.”

According to the Olympics Games schedule, PNG boxer John Ume will be the first to compete in the men’s 63.5kg weight division on Sunday following his late inclusion.

Ume has two bouts scheduled at 1am and 5.30am PNG Time where his first fight will be against an opponent from Cuba as he makes his second Olympic appearance.

Regarded as the underdog entering the top stage, Ume is aware of the challenges posed and he is determined for the fight.

“Tomorrow this young PNG warrior goes into the fight of his life against one of the world’s very best boxer from Cuba,” Ume’s coach Peter Morrison said.

“We are aware of the task at hand but beware the underdog…. PNG’s own Rocky story in the making.”
The country’s top boxer will take the ring again on Tuesday which will also see male swimmer Josh Tarere competing the 100m freestyle heats.