MSG Inaugural Sports Programme consultations kick start in New Caledonia
The MSG Sports, Art and Culture team with Executive members of the New Caledonia Football Federation after their consultation in Noumea. The NFCC's President, Mr. Steeve Laigle is in red.
19 August 2019
MSG staff from the Sports, Arts and Culture Programmes were in Noumea last week under the leadership of Deputy Director General Mr. Peter Eafeare undergoing consultations with various Sports, Arts & Culture Stakeholders.
Mr. Bill Henry Sports Development Officer, MSG Secretariat commented that discussions taking place on the Sports, Arts & Culture Consultations were fruitful, signifying the strong commitment and support the Secretariat through its various programmes is providing within the MSG Member States.
The keynote agenda of the consultations are to strengthen the level of sports particularly Football, Netball and Rugby Sevens across the Member States and most importantly, to revive the ever popular Melanesian Cup. The Consultation was an implementation of the resolutions of the 6th MSG Sports Committee Meeting in Kimbe, West New Britain, PNG held on the 13th – 14th September 2018.
Team leader, Mr. Peter Eafeare Deputy Director General MSG Secretariat, made inspiring statements on behalf of the Director General Ambassador Amena Yauvoli when addressing the different Sports and Arts and Culture stakeholders in Noumea. “Sports, Arts and Culture are the glue that binds our Members together, and will achieve what is being stated in our MSG 2018 – 2030 Prosperity Plan where we move together as one Melanesia without leaving anybody behind.”
He reminded stakeholders and observers that the MSG forefathers made it clear at the very beginning, in order to strengthen the relationship of the Sub-Regional grouping, we must encourage our talented people to participate in Sports and to uphold our traditions in Arts and Culture which are the very roots of our existence and the identity of our sovereignty.
Mr. Steeve Laigle, President of the New Caledonia Football Federation (NCFF) expressed his gratitude for the MSG team’s visit and confirmed the NCFF’s support of the revival of the Melanesian Cup agreeing the rejuvenation of the tournament will help strengthen the level of Football within the MSG Member States, stating his eagerness to receive the official circular once consultations are completed.
The successful completion of the Sports Consultation will unveil the revival of the Melanesian Cup from November 18th – 30th 2019, where we will witness Men and Women’s Soccer teams from the Member States competing for the Melanesian Cup after a lapse of nineteen years. As a means to further empower our women in Melanesia, a Netball competition will be held as preparation towards the upcoming women’s Netball World Cup.
The Secretariat will sign a MOU with the Oceania Football Federation to collaborate in having the tournament in the November FIFA window, the MOU will allow the International Football body through OFC to recognize this tournament and the tournament results will affect the members FIFA rankings. The confirmation of which member country to host the revival of this famous tournament is yet to be confirmed.
The Political Bureau, FLNKS made a remarkable note by honoring and acknowledging the leadership of MSG Director General Ambassador Amena Yauvoli in ensuring the MSG Secretariat bring these initiatives before the Members attention and in doing so it portrays the true spirit of one Melanesia.
The MSG Secretariat Sports, Arts & Culture Programmes team will also hold further consultations in Fiji and Papua New Guinea later this month and Solomon Islands next month.