Murray Barracks gymnasium officially opened

Caption:  Prime Minister O’Neill inspecting the opened facility pool.

Caption: Prime Minister Peter O’Neill posing in front of the gymnasium pool flanked by cabinet ministers and other VIPs.

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, September 3, 2014 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

PREPARATIONS for the 2015 South Pacific Games have now been boosted thanks to the official opening of the Murray Barrack Gymnasium conducted by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill yesterday.

The renovated facility consists of a Gym, a hall, and a 50 meter swimming pool for PNG athletes to prepare for the upcoming games.

Facilities at the gymnasium will be also available to members of the military and members of the public who wish to join the center.

Speaking on behalf of his commander Colonel Mark Goina welcomed the Prime Minister to the barracks and elaborated the force’s commitment to the games.

“In support of the government we have made available our facilities, demonstrating our support and commitment to the games,” Col Goina said.

Defense Minister Fabian Pok hailed the partnership as a model between government ministries like Defense and Sports.

Sport Minister Justin Tkatchenko thanked the Prime Minister and PNG Sport Foundation (PNGSF) which funded the construction of the facilities.

“This facility is a one stop shop for healthy living and fitness for our people, and I call upon our people to come and make use of this facility,” Tkatchenko said.

“The facility will be run by the PNGSF in trust for the Defence Force in trust, and all proceed in membership fee will go towards the maintenance of the gymnasium.”

Prime Minister O’Neill pointed out the importance of maintaining facilities that are being built, emphasizing the impact of hosting such events in host countries years after the events have ended.

“During my recent visit to Samoa, I took an opportunity to visit their facilities which were built for the Pacific Games (2007),” the PM said.

“Their facilities were in top shape, which goes to show how important it is for us to maintain facilities like this long after the games end.”

“We must learn for some of our smaller Pacific island countries.”

He reiterated the actions of the government to build facilities for the people with funds from the country as an important step for effective development.