Van2017

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.

The competition was launched by Digicel Vanuatu and Van2017 on Monday 20th March 2017 which has been warmly welcomed by kids across Vanuatu who have been inspired to draw a creative picture of their favorite Van 2017 mascot, Nasi, the friendly, lovable and social bird.  

In the first draw on Saturday 22nd April, the children and their families were more than happy to share a special moment with Nasi.  

After a team introduction, Champions Program coordinator, Wilfred Koran, made a presentation to the Heads of Schools and their Zone Curriculum Advisor on the content of the Champions Program and what the schools will expect if they are being visited by NASI.

During his presentation, Mr. Koran informed teachers that as part of the program and its legacy in schools, teaching materials on environment, custom & culture, health & sports will be produced to assist teachers with their available teaching resources.

An Expression of Interest was issued last week by Van2017 to seek proposals from qualified companies /groups/individuals who have experience if the production and direction of large scale ceremonial events. 

Ceremonies and Cultural Manager Brigitte Laboukly said that “these ceremonies will be watched by thousands in the stands, participated by hundreds of athletes and performers and seen live across the Pacific.

24 Countries are sending in excess of 1500 Athletes to compete in 13 sports and up for grabs are 1100 medals.

“The medals that will be won here at the 2017 Pacific   Mini Games are the pinnacle of sport for many athletes and we want the medals to be a reminder for years to come of the joy and pride that the medal brought to the athlete, their families, their team mates and indeed their country,” said Van2017 CEO Clint Flood

Kulich, who has extensive experience, reached out to the organizing committee and volunteered to spend two weeks with Van2017, to help with some initial concepts for the upcoming Games in December with respect to the opening, closing and medal ceremonies.

The Van2017 Organising Committee was forced to postpone major initiatives, including this week's scheduled official sponsorship announcements, due to the lack of support and active disruptions from some elements within the government.

The Pacific Games Council said over the past three months the VAN2017 team has been doing an excellent job in making up for many years of lost time, engaging commercial sponsors, sports federations, athletes and the Vanuatu public.

The key chorus line of the theme song is “Rise Vanuatu Rise – Shine Pacifika Shine … for a moment in time, we’re together as one, to ignite the spirit within.” Life is moving on every minute, second, hour and we need to make our mark now.”