Pacific Partnership Builds Understanding through Soccer Competes in Papua New Guinea

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Christopher Farrington, Pacific Partnership 2011 Public Affairs

LAE, Papua New Guinea (NNS) -- The Pacific Partnership soccer team played an exhibition match against a Lae, Papua New Guinean team May 29, giving Sailors the chance to strengthen relationships during Pacific Partnership 2011.

A crowd of more than 5,000 locals were in attendance to see the two teams play, what's often called, the world's most popular sport.

Lt. j.g. Kristen Laraway, an alternate on the All-Navy Women's Soccer team, and the only woman on the 17-person team, was inspired by the crowd.

"Having that many people come out to cheer us on was an unreal experience," Laraway said. "The crowd's energy inspired both teams to come out and give it their all."

The first half of the game was competitive, but with two minutes left before the half, a member of the Papua New Guinean team made a fast move for the goal and scored.

Going into the second half, the two teams battled back and forth for control. The Pacific Partnership team went on to score two goals, followed by one of the New Guineans scoring a goal.

With the game tied at 2-2 and two minutes remaining, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Ricardo Cisneros scored the winning goal, sending the crowd into an uproar.

"It felt great to score the game winning shot in front of such an electrifying crowd," said Cisneros. "The other team gave us a great game. It's definitely one I will never forget."

Following the post-game custom of most competitive sporting events, the teams shook hands and congratulated each other on a great match.

"Winning or losing the game wasn't the point of coming out here to play," said Laraway. "It was about coming together with the residents of Lae and bonding through sport."

Developing relationships and the bonds of friendship are two of the ways the Pacific Partnership mission enhances interoperability. Cultural exchange through sports, music, and tours are key elements of that mission objective.

Pacific Partnership is an annual humanitarian aid initiative sponsored by the U.S. Pacific Fleet, aimed at improving interoperability between host and partner nations. Now in its sixth year, Pacific Partnership 2011 will continue to Timor-Leste and the Federated States of Micronesia following their mission in Papua New Guinea.

"The Pacific Partnership mission has given us the chance to provide medical, dental and engineering projects to the people of Lae, but it also gives us the opportunity to get out and socialize with them on a personal level," said Laraway.

During the past five years, Pacific Partnership has provided medical, dental, educational, and preventive medicine services to more than 220,000 people and completed more than 150 engineering projects in 16 countries.