This year’s Children’s Day program was very special as communities, churches and schools around Port Vila and Efate sought to bring laughter and smiles to children’s faces.
The appearance of the Pacific Mini Games Mascot, Nasi, and his partner Em Pawa was a highlight of the program.
At every venue where Nasi was invited to join the children, many of them rushed to the big bird to touch and hug him, and some just to touch his tail.
Over the weekend, Port Vila city was busy with different activities, and on Saturday Nasi was at each village of Efate to receive and encourage the first runners of Wilco Round Island Relay who passed by.
Standing at the back of a lorry sponsored by Wilco Hardware, nobody could miss Nasi’s exceptional performances that brought excitement and joy during this annual sporting event. The relay started from Wilco Hardware, moving around the eastern side of the Island and looping back to the city.
Nasi, along with his partner Em Pawa, also got out and about, attending children’s programs at the Anglican Church, Paton Memorial Church and at the Mele village, as well as being present at Tekeremea Kindergarten school at Federation Area.
Children of all ages, from as young as nine months and upwards, met Nasi and his ‘Apu’ and had the chance to get to know who Nasi is and his role for the upcoming Mini Games.
Children were given the opportunity to learn key messages on the Van2017 Champions Program, about good health, having a healthy lifestyle, keeping a clean and safe environment, having a strong mindset to become a champion in sport or in life, practising hygiene, as well as learning about traditional culture.
They were given more information about the Mini Games, coming up in December, and also had their faces painted.
Empawa did her show with Apu in promoting and advocating girls’ and women’s rights, and presented a play on protecting children in a safe and secure home.
‘Apu’ delivered one of the key messages, appealing for respect to girls and women from other countries who will be in Port Vila for the Games.
