Pacific Mini Games

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

Vanuatu table tennis aims for 7 gold medals

The Table Tennis Interim-President, James Malao, says that for this year’s Mini Games, the final team will be finalized this week, with last weekend’s test event showing how the players have been contributing in their training sessions, attendance, characters and their performance.

“In the meantime, we are having our three para table tennis players, they were the finalist, but for the table tennis, there are going to be eight finalists that will later be announced.

Vanuatu Government hands over 23 buses for the Pacific Mini Games

In a formal ceremony, Van2017 CEO Clint Flood said that transport is a critical component in the organization of the Games.

“I thank the Government of Vanuatu for supporting the Games; it’s been six years that the people of Vanuatu have been waiting for this Games and now time is very short, as we have to go operational next week.   

Vanuatu ready to host Pacific Mini Games

Pacific Games Council CEO Clint Flood says schools have been fitted with 1,600 beds, chefs are on standby to cook for up to 1,000 people a day and China has provided 25 buses for transportation.

Flood says it is also symbolic that the Queen's Baton Relay carrying the Queen's message for the Commonwealth Games will pass through the Pacific Mini Games.