Team Papua New Guinea settled in well at the Olympic Village in Paris, with six of its athletes already in Paris and one to arrive on the 1st of August. Following the Opening Ceremony on the 27th of July 2024, John Ume was the first of the seven athletes to take on the field of play. Competing in the 63.5kg weight division in Boxing, Ume fought with heart but went down to Cuba’s Erislandy Alvarez Borges, a highly accomplished Boxer who won Silver at the 2023 Boxing World Championships. Ume shared that it’s always a blessing to represent his country. He was part of the team who had his eyes set on qualifying for a spot on the team. Having not qualified through the qualification pathway, Ume’s hopes to be part of the team laid in the Tripartite Placing. This also did not go in his favour; however, the opportunity came on the 20th of July when Solomon Islands boxer Pemberton Lele withdrew, and he was called upon to represent PNG. “I said yes to the call as I want to represent my country. I want to be a role model to the younger generation not to give up.” Following Ume’s competition, Team PNG Chef de Mission, Ryan Pini said that it was such a huge effort against one of the best. “John is a great ambassador for Papua New Guinea, embodying the values of the Olympics through his dedication, sportsmanship, and resilience.” Peter Morrison, a proud coach, described Ume as an athlete whose inspiring display of determination and resilience highlights the spirit of perseverance and pride that defines PNG athletes. Team PNG’s competitions will continue with Swimmer Josh Tarere in the 100m Freestyle today (Tuesday 30th July), Athletics athlete Leonie Beu in the 100m on Friday 2nd August, Swimmer Georgia-Leigh Vele in the 50m Freestyle on Saturday 3rd August, Weightlifter Morea Baru in the 61kg division on Wednesday 7th of August, followed by Taekwondo athletes Kevin Kassman in the -68kg division on Thursday 8th August and Gibson Mara in the +80kg division on Saturday 10th August.