Pacific Mini Games

Vanuatu proud to host Pacific Mini Games

“For the past six years we have been preparing for this night and the next 12 days of the games,” Simeon Seule addressed the crowds and leaders during the opening ceremony yesterday.

“We have had challenges that everyone acknowledges but with the people and the Vanuatu Government, firmly supporting the games, we have overcome those challenges and now stand ready to hosts the Pacific and deliver those games for the athletes, spectators and broadcast viewers to the highest standards,” he said.

10th Pacific Mini Games underway, thanks to late Joe Carlo

Thanks to the foresight and vision of the late Joe Borman Carlo, former president of Vanuatu Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (VASANOC).

“Joe led the successful bid of this Games,” said Vidya Lakhan, president of the Pacific Games Council.

The late Joe Carlo was part of the 4th Pacific Mini Games held in Vila in 1993 and was chairman of the VAN2017 Games Organising Committee when he passed away last year.

“While we miss him deeply, the success of these games will be a testament to his sporting legacy.”

Tahitian athletes a no-show at opening

Last week it was announced the territory's athletes would compete under a neutral banner, following the French Polynesia's government's decision to boycott the event.

The Tahitian athletes were expected to participate in the athlete's parade and to enter under the flag of the Pacific Games Council.

But Van2017 CEO Clint Flood said they didn't turn up.

"For our surprise as well they didn't come out today. I'm not quite sure (why), we will find out tomorrow," Flood said.

So far, so good: Minogue

“I think the athletes are gonna have a fantastic experience down there at the opening ceremony on Monday night and then the competition in the following two weeks,” said Minogue.

Minogue has been involved in various meetings since arriving on Monday.

His plate is full everyday, Chef de Mission meetings every morning regarding team logistics and attends to other meetings with the Games Organising Committee, government, various side meetings in and around Vila prior to the opening.

“So far, so good,” say Minogue.

New Caledonia put youth on display

New Caledonia have opted to take an U-21 team to compete in the games, and still believe they’ll be a threat despite coming up against senior opponents.

The squad is built around the players which competed in the OFC U-20 Championship in 2016, a side which made it all the way to the semi-finals, and midfielder and captain Pothin Poma believes that has provided the team with a good structure.

Mini Games focuses on development

In order to address one of its key Sustainable Development Goals for the event, the Van2017 LOC has created Em Pawa, a counterpart to the Games’ official mascot Nasi.

Em Pawa will be an advocate for messages of equality and non-discrimination, non-violence, supporting of positive and healthy decisions, encouraging others to challenge gender stereotypes, and promote positive change in the home, workplace, community and country.

Pacific Mini Games kick off on a high note

With a crowd fit for the Olympics and spirits high, the rainy weather was not enough to dampen the excitement of players and spectators.

Rain did nothing to slow down the matches as Fiji claimed the first Pacific Mini Games victory after defeating Tuvalu with a score of 8-0.

A 3-0 win in favour of the Solomon Islands against Tonga proved that the games will only get better and more exciting from that point onwards.

Pacific Sports Ministers meet in Vila

The meeting is the 5th Pacific Islands Sports Ministers of its kind. 

Sport has been recognized as a cost- effective tool to promote development and peace.

The gathering will review the outcomes of the 4th Pacific Sports Ministers Meeting Outcomes in Port Moresby in 2015.

The half-day meet will also be presented with the outcomes of the recent Kazan Action Plan adopted by the 6th International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS VI) and how it can be implemented in the region.

Footballers to kick off Vanuatu Pacific Mini Games

Men's football is the first of 14 sports to kick off in Port Vila.

Fiji are first up against Tuvalu at midday local time followed by Tonga versus Solomon Islands and New Caledonia against the host nation.

Van2017 CEO Clint Flood said a late rejig was made to the draw following Tahiti's decision to boycott the Games.

"The tournament basically follows a format where the gold medal will be won by the total number of points by the team at the end."

Tahiti athletes to compete under neutral banner

The government withdrew their support following a disagreement over who should represent Tahiti in boxing and rugby sevens in Vanuatu.

The Pacific Games Council's Chief Executive, Andrew Minogue, said a four-member boxing team have confirmed their attendance while the rugby sevens side was also down to compete.

He said all other sports have chosen not to participate in Port Vila, because of the government boycott, so the Council's Executive Board had ruled