Van2017 announced this week that in 2017 Pacific Mini Games, women soccer competitions will be reflecting special attention to the “development of women in sport”.
On Saturday 4 November 2017, a sport schedule was put in place with the assistance of Football Technical Delegate, Michael Song, to come up with a final draft.
In the Men’s entries, there are 6 Teams from Fiji, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu; and for the women’s entries, there are 4 Teams coming from Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.
According to Van2017 Sports Department, women’s soccer will be happening at the Port Vila Stadium and at Korman stadium, from the December 2 to December 14, 2017.
Amicale Field will no longer host soccer Games, but will become a training venue.
As part of its legacy program, Van2017 addresses one of its key Sustainable Development Goals for empowering women through the creation of EM PAWA (counterpart to Nasi, the Games’ official mascot); being an advocate for the messages of equality and non-discrimination, non-violence, supportive of positive and healthy decisions, encouraging others to challenge the negative gender stereotypes and be partners for positive change in the home, workplace, community, country and the world.
Em Pawa is the FACE of Van2017 in supporting the EMPOWERMENT of ALL WOMEN &GIRLS. Representing strength and perseverance, she is a separate identity to Nasi, but seen as a companion and friend to him. Em Pawa, like Nasi, is also a Champion; a champion and advocate for women and issues relevant to women. Her character is bold and courageous, respectful and strong
For that reason, Van2017 decided that all Women’s soccer competitions during the Games will be free of charge to the general public, which means 3 games altogether that will be held on December 4, 11 and 14.
But for the Women’s Soccer Final, spectators need to have a ticket to watch the Games at Korman in the evening.