The upcoming Pacific Mini Games sporting event was the highlight on the 30th of July 2017 official program of the national Independence Day, with the presence of the Games Mascot Nasi and children’s activity at the Independence Park in Port Vila .
This year’s Independence program on July 30 was earmarked by the appearance of the Pacific Mini Games Mascot Nasi, during the usual concert performed by the Vanuatu Mobile Force Band.
It is the first time an additional entertainer has joined the band on the official Independence program and it was definitely a highlight for all the children - and the adults as well.
Nasi spent some days practicing with the VMF Band before it appeared on the field at Independence Park to entertain the thousands of people who gathered to mark the national day.
His presence was an opportunity to remind all the people attending that the major sporting event Van 2017 is near, and that it’s time get prepared to welcome more than 2000 athletes from 24 countries who will be coming from all over the Pacific region, including New Zealand and Australia.
Nasi’s appearance on Independence Day prompted an assurance from the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, who announced in his official address that Vanuatu is ready to host the Pacific Mini Games in December.
He thanked the Government of the Republic of China for its assistance in building the Korman Sporting Facilities, and providing training for 190 Ni Vanuatu athletes who are now spending six months of intensive training ready for the Pacific Mini Games.
Not only did Nasi bring smiles and laughter to the official celebration, children were also given the opportunity to get their faces painted by a team from Van2017. This fun activity also served to let them know that Pacific Mini Games is not only for adults and sportspeople, it’s about excitement and fun for all ages.
The face painting activity attracted over two hundred children at the Independence Park, and over three hundred children at Mele Independence celebrations.
Two thousand five hundred Pacific Mini Games flags and stickers that were given out to the crowd at the Independence Park were not enough, as the public were still demanding more.
Photo by Levy Tarosa