Pacific Mini Games 2017

The Fijians thrashed Tuvalu 8-0 in Saturday's opening round, while Solomon Islands racked up the same scoreline against Tonga.

Fiji coach Christophe Gamel said despite the lopsided scoreline they made a number of big mistakes, which they couldn't afford to repeat against the Bonitos.

"We know their values, they are technical players. Let's see, it will be interesting for the youth also and for me to compete against this team, it's always interesting," Gamel said.

Solomon Islands coach Felipe Vega-Arango is taking more of a long term approach.

With the Pacific Mini Games just around the corner, final touches are being put to facilities, programs, and activities.

Games volunteers, who will be on the front line as Ambassadors for Van2017, as well as for their nation, have completed several training sessions conducted by the Van2017 Volunteer Department, to get ready to roll into action in several upcoming events before the Games starts.

Keith Walker, from New Zealand, is the Honorary Vice President of Oceania Boxing Confederation.

He has been appointed by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) as Technical Delegate to Van2017 Pacific Mini Games, whose job it is to ensure the technical side of the sport is run according to international rules.

“My role as Technical Delegate is to check the sites, the actual venue and to make contact with all of the volunteers and key people who will be in key positions for boxing at the Games,” he said.

Tafak is now in his late 70’s and remembers being a National player for the New Hebrides.

He was very emotional when he was given the opportunity to be one of the guest alongside with the Chief Poilapa Simeon, and to hold the Sagoa, and be part of history.

On Wednesday 8th February, Van2017 is holding a Business Open House event to provide an update to the local business community in Port Vila on the upcoming procurement (tender) opportunities with the 2017 Pacific Mini Games.

A tour of the Korman Stadium site, under construction with the support of the Chinese Government, was also conducted. 

Last week’s meetings follow on from President Lakhan’s last visit to Port Vila in May where the PGC General Assembly was conducted.  At that time, the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Charlot Salwai, publicly at the General Assembly and privately to President Lakhan, reaffirmed the Vanuatu Government’s commitment to hosting the 2017 Pacific Mini Games.

This was announced by Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas during the opening the Pacific Games Council’s (PGC) General Assembly in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

“My government is committed to be the host of this important event and it is also important especially for the young generations,” he said.

Demolition work was due to begin in March on the main stadium in Port Vila, but was delayed following Cyclone Pam.

Nine months on the Korman site remains dormant, with local organisers waiting on the government and Chinese contractors.

The Pacific Games Council met with government and opposition MPs in the capital last week and the Council's Executive Director, Andrew Minogue, says the issues were raised with the Prime Minister.

Among the many agenda items on the PGC Executive Board’s agenda was a review of the upcoming Vanuatu 2017 Pacific Mini Games.

The 2017 Pacific Mini Games were awarded to Vanuatu in September 2011 at which time a Host Contract was entered into by the PGC, the Vanuatu Pacific Games Association (VASANOC) and the Government of Vanuatu.  Since September 2011, the progress of Vanuatu’s preparations has been slow and the PGC has grown increasingly concerned about Vanuatu’s readiness and commitment to host the Pacific Mini Games in 2017.