Pacific Mini Games

Vanuatu make perfect start in quest for gold

A Pauline Willie goal was all that separated the teams at half-time, in wet conditions at Port Vila Stadium, but with two third of the match gone the home side clicked into gear, with wave after wave of attack.

Striker Monica Melteviel scored two goals and also provided some assists for her team-mates in front of a vocal home crowd.

"First and foremost I want to thank the girls for the collective unit that we were able to perform together on the field and we were able to achieve such a great goal margin because of the togetherness," Melteviel said.

10th Pacific Mini Games underway, thanks to late Joe Carlo

Thanks to the foresight and vision of the late Joe Borman Carlo, former president of Vanuatu Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (VASANOC).

“Joe led the successful bid of this Games,” said Vidya Lakhan, president of the Pacific Games Council.

The late Joe Carlo was part of the 4th Pacific Mini Games held in Vila in 1993 and was chairman of the VAN2017 Games Organising Committee when he passed away last year.

“While we miss him deeply, the success of these games will be a testament to his sporting legacy.”

Tahitian athletes a no-show at opening

Last week it was announced the territory's athletes would compete under a neutral banner, following the French Polynesia's government's decision to boycott the event.

The Tahitian athletes were expected to participate in the athlete's parade and to enter under the flag of the Pacific Games Council.

But Van2017 CEO Clint Flood said they didn't turn up.

"For our surprise as well they didn't come out today. I'm not quite sure (why), we will find out tomorrow," Flood said.

Home finale for Vanuatu tennis star

This will be Games number seven for the 34-year-old, who was also a long-time representative for Pacific Oceania in the Davis Cup.

He hung up his racquet after winning bronze at the Pacific Games in Port Moresby two years ago, but was persuaded to give it one last shot on home soil.

"Cyrille [Mainguy], the President of Tennis Federation Vanuatu, managed to convince me but there was also the drive for me to play again, to do it in front of my friends, family and the home crowd, and just see how well I can play at home with the pressure," Jacobe said.

So far, so good: Minogue

“I think the athletes are gonna have a fantastic experience down there at the opening ceremony on Monday night and then the competition in the following two weeks,” said Minogue.

Minogue has been involved in various meetings since arriving on Monday.

His plate is full everyday, Chef de Mission meetings every morning regarding team logistics and attends to other meetings with the Games Organising Committee, government, various side meetings in and around Vila prior to the opening.

“So far, so good,” say Minogue.

New Caledonia put youth on display

New Caledonia have opted to take an U-21 team to compete in the games, and still believe they’ll be a threat despite coming up against senior opponents.

The squad is built around the players which competed in the OFC U-20 Championship in 2016, a side which made it all the way to the semi-finals, and midfielder and captain Pothin Poma believes that has provided the team with a good structure.

Mini Games focuses on development

In order to address one of its key Sustainable Development Goals for the event, the Van2017 LOC has created Em Pawa, a counterpart to the Games’ official mascot Nasi.

Em Pawa will be an advocate for messages of equality and non-discrimination, non-violence, supporting of positive and healthy decisions, encouraging others to challenge gender stereotypes, and promote positive change in the home, workplace, community and country.

Pacific Mini Games kick off on a high note

With a crowd fit for the Olympics and spirits high, the rainy weather was not enough to dampen the excitement of players and spectators.

Rain did nothing to slow down the matches as Fiji claimed the first Pacific Mini Games victory after defeating Tuvalu with a score of 8-0.

A 3-0 win in favour of the Solomon Islands against Tonga proved that the games will only get better and more exciting from that point onwards.

Pacific Sports Ministers meet in Vila

The meeting is the 5th Pacific Islands Sports Ministers of its kind. 

Sport has been recognized as a cost- effective tool to promote development and peace.

The gathering will review the outcomes of the 4th Pacific Sports Ministers Meeting Outcomes in Port Moresby in 2015.

The half-day meet will also be presented with the outcomes of the recent Kazan Action Plan adopted by the 6th International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS VI) and how it can be implemented in the region.

Pacific Mini Games tickets on sale

The game’s organiser, Van 2017 is urging the public to hurry up as limited space is available for football matches this week-end as well as other sports discipline to kick off this week-end.

Around 4000 tickets have already been sold.