Pacific Games Relay lands in amazing Gulf Province

The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay today began its journey through the amazing Gulf Province.

The Relay set off before dawn on Tuesday to drive into Gulf Province.

The convoy sped along the Hiritano Highway through to Malalaua, with a welcome stop at Karahure as we passed into Gulf.

The team was greeted by a formal welcome from the politicians and people of the area and a sing sing performed by the Karahare and Miaru communities.

The Relay team was presented with its most unusual gift yet on its long journey; a baby crocodile, which team leader Tamzin Wardley gingerly accepted. The team now have another mouth to feed and have sent out for raw fish and chicken.

Next stop was the village of Lese Oalai where traditional war cries met the Baton as dancers appeared out of the mangroves to escort the Baton to the community and school children waiting at their oval.

From there the Relay visited the crew at the Wahoo drilling rig owned by Total and Interoil.

The Relay convoy drove on towards Kerema crossing bridges decorated with palm fronds and even trees over the many rivers that run through the province.

Two short Relays were run at Sapeharo and into Kerema town itself as time started to beat the team.

A final sing sing at the Uamai Primary School, supported by Dekanai, who are rebuilding the road into Kerema. 

Next was a quick trip around Kerema town and then the Baton was off by helicopter, crossing acres of sago and meandering rivers with massive volumes of water pouring into the gulf, for its overnight stay at Kopi.

The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay will visit the Oil Search Kumul Platform off Deception Bay tomorrow before visiting Kikori.