A tribute to kumul brother, Kato Ottio/ by Steven Dawanincura

There’s not much left to say, the facts have been stated and so much love shared that I felt overwhelmed until now.

From a distance, behind a mic on thebsidelines was as close as I ever got to the aura of Kato Otio.

He was fleet footed and his runs seemed to unfurl in slow motion, almost in midair all the time – like even gravity couldn’t hold him down.

Having not followed his journey prior to his joining the Mounties I often wondered how little was known and said about such a prolific PNG born and bred try scorer plying his skills overseas so well for himself.

This week his family and friends revealed why – it was his humility, simplicity, and genuine kindness.

So refreshing to hear of a young man with it all to have before him, yet no inflated ego, no attitude, and a huge heart he gladly shared.

His is the epitome of a young man comfortable in his element and living by his own standards and expectations. He seemed to only want to prove himself to himself. An enormous challenge in any language, in any sporting code.

I believe that the amount of tributes, tears, and photos of him, always willing to make a dream come true for people of all walks of life and ages, speaks volumes. He was loved and he radiated an inner love back with open arms and without reservation.

There is so much warmth and positive energy that he shared with young children. What a blessing. If his ways inspire our youths to be more like him on and off the field that is trully awesome in itself

Perhaps a reluctant hero, idol, and peer he seemed, but how beautifully he embraced it all in his stride.

Not with words, press conferences, and public statements, but in his way, quietly and genuinely out spotlight, some people can do this, it is rare, and he was one of them.

Our kids and those senior ahead of us can learn a lot from even just a single page out of his life.

I already have and I’m still learning.

What a truly great example he was of what it means to be human. Really human.

As I watched him perform at the world cup I knew I hadn’t seen his best, but I also imagined with great excitement and anticipation, what he had in store for Papua New Guinea and the world, once he really turned the after burners on and hit his peak speed and skill.

The potential massing within him was enormous, rest assured we will yet see this, through his essence in every young boy and girl that laces up their boots and puts on a Jersey to be just like him.

The day will come in our not too distant future when one of our next up and coming sporting talents will attribute their success to be based on being inspired Kato Ottio.

Rest in Eternal Love.