Not many Papua New Guineans watch English Rugby League. But Over 48 hours, our people have come to know one team in particular – the Widnes Vikings – all because of Kato Otto.
Ottio didn’t even play a game with them. Nor did he get the chance to wear the Vikings jersey.
They may be an English team, but what they displayed resonated with resonated with many Papua New Guineans. They honoured a fallen brother in the most profound way possible.
The Vikings, sent their message of condolence to the family. They honoured Ottio’s memory with silence. They carried the PNG flag on to the field during their match and they went further to give support to the family
Those are no small gestures. You have no idea how important that is to our many cultures.
To the Widness Vikings, in Papua New Guinea, we have a word we use for things like this.
It’s called “Pasin.”
It is difficult to explain it in one word. It is defined with many words that embodies the true Papua New Guinean spirit.
It means showing love and affection, honouring one’s commitment, kindness, generosity, steadfast loyalty, brotherhood, sisterhood, respect for self, your elders and for your family in life and in death.
It means accepting a stranger as your own brother. It means standing up for the downtrodden and supporting those who have suffered a loss. It means caring for widows and mothers who have lost their sons.
In Papua New Guinea, we celebrate life, we mourn the dead and we care for those left behind with their loss. you did all that.
You showed all that. You showed “Pasin” not only with words but with deeds.
Maybe tomorrow, next year, next season, you will forget the good that you did. Maybe the young ones who come after you will not remember. But your team name is now a part of PNG rugby league history and the people.
Thankyou Journalist Scott Waide… You’ve written it so well on our (PNGns) behalf……Wow! We admire and thank OUR (PNG) Club, the #Widnes Vikings Rugby League Club! PNG salutes and respects you for your GENUINE act of sorrow and concern. You’ve touched a whole nation! You #Vikings THE BEST!
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Thanks for your kind words.i personally, feel absolutely sad, that Kato will never wear our famous shirt. my fellow Widnes Viking fans and rugby league supporters in general, agree that Kato represented his family, friends and the country of PNG in a manner you all can be proud of. Kato as made a very big impact on the fans of rugby league in the UK. thanks again and condolences to Kato’s family and friends and the people of PNG.
WIDNES TIL I DIE
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This makes my heart warm and my eyes fill with tears.
I am immensely proud of my club Widnes Vikings and our fans and not forgetting fans from other teams.
I am sad we never got to meet Kato or see him play for us. But I am more sad that his country, his family and friends have lost a true hero.
Thank you to all of the PNG people for their amazing messages of thanks and support. It makes our contributions and actions of respect to Kato even more meaningful.
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Widnes Vikings. Trupla Pasin stret. You are PNG by doing that.
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Kato once a Viking always a Viking RIP God bless your family
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Ottio a true champion, RIP. Vikings, thanks for honouring our countryman.
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That gesture by the Vikings was priceless to us as Nation. It was indeed a World Record – how Vikings farewell our young Hero that never had the chance to even wear the Viking Jersey.
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