Directors General, Directors, Executive Officers, and representatives from Government ministries and departments have been given an overview of Van2017 preparations and upcoming goals to be achieved by Van2017 Organizing Committee.
In a consultation meeting on Wednesday 12th July 2017 at the National Convention Centre in Port Vila, Van2017 CEO Clint Flood gave his opening remark by stating that the Pacific Mini Games is nearly at our doorstep, with 144 days to go.
Mr Flood pointed out that the Vanuatu Government has made its commitment financially and Van2017 has commitments operationally to deliver for this Games.
The presentation to the Government Officials was to provide an update of the current status of 2017 Pacific Mini Games, inform senior government officials on the roles and responsibilities of core government deliverables, as well as to ensure a clear understanding of urgency of needs and ongoing cooperation required.
With 24 countries participating in 14 sports disciplines required, Van2017 Organizing committee will be responsible for over two thousands athletes, 2300 to-date as of last week, powered by 2,000 workforce volunteers, supported by 150 technical officials, coordinated by 100 staff hired for the Games, along with over a thousand contractors.
Five Games venues have been selected for the 14 sports, with some of the existing venues needing extensive renovation work at National Stadium, Amical Field, Mele golf, Epauto SDA hall and the main Venue at Korman complex.
Significant works are underway at the Korman Complex with fencing, turf, landscaping, and site commissioning, while village repair programs are being undertaken by Van2017 at the schools being used for Games, namely Central School, Lycee LAB, INTV, Anabrou School, and Freswota School.
The Vanuatu Government as Host of the Games, is jointly supported by 2 other main entities which is VASANOC and Van2017 organizing committee, as well as Port Vila Municipality, and Pacific Games Authority.
It was clearly stated that the role of Van2017 Pacific Mini Games Organizing Committee is to deliver the sports program and associated operations and ceremonies for the Games. It coordinates the 24 participating teams, sells and markets the Games through sponsorship, merchandising, and ticketing.
Van2017‘s overview presentation is to open channels of communication with all government ministries and stakeholders, to work hand in hand with Van2017 to deliver supportive delivery responsibilities in areas of Foreign Affairs, Customs Clearance, Immigration, Broadcasting, Security, Traffic Management, Visa Requirements, Bio Security, Quarantine, Health, NDMO, Geohazard, Meteo, Lands & Justice.
Some of the upcoming important dates will be the release of the Ticketing Plan on the 18th July, launch of Ticket Sales on the 28th August, handing over of the Complex on the 1st November from CCECC to Vanuatu Government, official opening of Korman Complex for a Test event on the 25th of November, Athletes Village will be open on the 30th November, before the competition starts on the 4th December 2017.
Photo supplied