Pacific Mini Games

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.

“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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Solomon Islands team was too strong for Tonga.

The first goal came from Jerry Tonga.

Tonga’s Team Manager, Fetuu Vea says they will try their best in the next game against New Caledonia.

Vea said football is still a new discipline in Polynesian countries and that explains why there was a big score line against them today.

Head Coach for Solomon Islands, Filipe Vera Arango said he is happy with the performance of the players and their next match will be very difficult because they will play against Fiji.

Men's football is the first of 14 sports to kick off in Port Vila.

Fiji are first up against Tuvalu at midday local time followed by Tonga versus Solomon Islands and New Caledonia against the host nation.

Van2017 CEO Clint Flood said a late rejig was made to the draw following Tahiti's decision to boycott the Games.

"The tournament basically follows a format where the gold medal will be won by the total number of points by the team at the end."

The government withdrew their support following a disagreement over who should represent Tahiti in boxing and rugby sevens in Vanuatu.

The Pacific Games Council's Chief Executive, Andrew Minogue, said a four-member boxing team have confirmed their attendance while the rugby sevens side was also down to compete.

He said all other sports have chosen not to participate in Port Vila, because of the government boycott, so the Council's Executive Board had ruled

It had agreed to cover the full cost of the flights to Port Vila two weeks ago but a payment deadline from Air Vanuatu passed without any contact from the government.

TASANOC Secretary General Takitoa Taumoepeau said a meeting was held on Tuesday to resolve the impasse, with the government ultimately offering to contribute a much smaller amount.

"What we had requested to government we only got one third of that amount, which was about 165-166 thousands - so there was no point of asking back," he said.