The Van2017 Pacific Mini Games Sagoa made its first visit to Ifira Island on Efate on Saturday 29th April 2017 on Efate.
The Paramount Chief of Ifira, Chief Mantoi Kalsakau and his council welcomed the Sagoa and the Van2017 delegation in his Farea.
The Van2017 committee performed a custom ceremony seeking the Chief’s permission to enter his village, and to gave an overview of the significance of the SAGOA and its journey around Vanuatu.
During his official remarks, Jif Mantoi Kalsakau III thanked the Government and particularly the Van2017 organizing committee for choosing Ifira to be the first community to kick off the Sagoa’s visit but most importantly for recognizing Ifira as the gatekeepers of Port Vila, the land on which the Games will take place.
In his response, CEO of Van2017 Clint Flood thanked the Chief and the people of Ifira for allowing the Sagoa’s journey to begin on the island then to other islands in Vanuatu.
CEO Flood emphasised that Van2017 is committed to making sure that the Games are not only for Port Vila, but for Vanuatu and for the people of Vanuatu. He said that Van2017 takes its role seriously to deliver not only a sporting event but to deliver an event that everybody is part of and to be proud of it.
Flood also praised the commitment of the Ifira Group of Companies who have given their support of the Pacific Games through a Gold Sponsorship.
Van2017 Pacific Mini Games Committee calls on the people of Vanuatu to join together and celebrate sports and culture.
