“We are happy that our children were given this opportunity to receive messages that one day, with attention to their health and education, they can be Champions and Ambassadors for Vanuatu,’’ said Chief Eloi of Port Olry village in East Santo.
Nasi, the loveable Van2017 mascot, and SAGOA will never be forgotten and will always be in children’s mind when it comes to hearing and talking about the 2017 Pacific Mini Games.
For 14 days, children around communities in Luganville and in rural areas of Sanma, were fortunate to see and touch the big mascot bird Nasi and the Sagoa.
Touring over 40 schools in the Northern Province, the Mascot Team delivered essential key messages on better healthy lifestyles, clean environment, better education, and how to become a Champion in their own lives.
During their visit, Team distributed Pacific Mini Games Flags, stickers, hygiene Kit with Colgate toothbrush and toothpaste to school children of all ages, to promote clean hygiene to be in a good health.
Sanma Province was selected as the First province outside Efate to be part of Champion’s program. The next provinces to be visited will be Tafea followed by Penama, Malampa and Torba.
The Van2017 Team, through Champion’s Program had the opportunity to give updates to the villages and communities on Sanma on the preparations and progress of the Games.
Last week several primary schools were visited in Luganville and in rural areas such as all schools on the Eastern Coast, South of the Island, and all offshores islands including Bokissa, Tutuba, Malo and Aore.
The Chiefs, teachers and headmasters of the visited schools acknowledged the contribution made by Van2017 to raise awareness about Games in their schools and also encourage children on good health, education, culture and environment, through Nasi’s appearance.
For some of the schools in remote areas, Nasi and Sagoa’s visit was first of its kind, and this visit brought them the united Spirit of the Games, and most importantly, get to know more about the up-coming games in December.
“It is an honour to have Nasi and Apu in our village,” said Chief Tama LEVUS from Kohle Village in East Santo.
“Your visit brings me pride as my son Roy is now in China, attending his training on Boxing, on 64 KG category.”
“I encourage all parents in SANMA Province to support your children in whatever they do, because they might become one day a National sportsman or sportwoman in the future.”
The Van2017 Team made many appearances to many local communities in Luganville, including Van2017 Sponsors Digicel, Air Vanuatu and Pacific Energy Company.
The official launch for the Champions Program will happen on Thursday 15th June at Freswota Bilingual School by the Minister of Education & Training.
Photo file: Mascot Nasi