TEAM FIJI SET TO GO

Team Fiji took time off their training schedule to attend a church service hosted by the Vanuatu Fijian Community at the Chiefs Makamal, in Port Vila, yesterday. Team Fiji chef de mission Wayne O’Connor told SUNsports that they had previously organised a church service with their attache Pastor John Soqeta and also joining them was Vanuatu Minister for Lands Ralph Regenvanu.

“So we have organised this church service to be able to give our athletes some spiritual enlightenment and even to those that are nonbelievers it is wonderful for us that we can come together as a team,” O’Connor said.

He said it was a significant event for them meeting members of the Vanuatu Fijian community where there was an exchange of gifts with words of encouragement being offered. With the Games to be opened today, O’Connor said, the athletes were all geared up for competition.

The occasion was finally concluded with the cutting of a Team Fiji cake, followed by a morning tea party prepared by the Fijian community there. Team Fiji is one of the biggest delegations to the 10th Pacific Mini Games in Port Vila.

CHIEFLY SUPPORT

Port Vila Council of Chiefs chairman Chief Isaac Woroworo said he would be supporting Team Fiji throughout the Pacific Mini Games.

He told Team Fiji athletes during their church service that they need to be confident in whatever event they would be competing in. “I would like to encourage Team Fiji athletes to feel at home when they’re in Vanuatu and to do their best. I will be supporting Team Fiji in whatever events they will be competing in during the Games,” Chief Woroworo said.

Also speaking at the church service was the Vanuatu Minister for Lands where he urged the Fijian athletes to give their best.

GAMES SECURITY

With the opening of the Games today, security at the venue and village has stepped up. The Van2017 security team are on alert and ready to assist during the Games.

Van 2017 head of security Eric Pakoa said minor issues are yet to be solved but 95 percent of the work has been done to ensure all Games venue are under control for the safety of everyone.

The Vanuatu Police Force will also assist to ensure everyone is enjoying the Games with a true spirit long friendship and sports

Photo: Peni Komaisavai Team Fiji athletes and officials with the Vanuatu Fijian community after the church service at the Chiefs Makamal in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on December 3. 2017.

Photo: Peni Komaisavai Vanuatu Lands Minister Ralph Regenvanu (left) and Chief Isaac Woroworo (middle) pose with the Team Fiji men’s football team after the church service in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on December 3, 2017.