Secretariat Supports the Vanuatu National Women’s Rugby Sevens Team towards their Oceania Campaign in Suva, Fiji in November
Mrs Annie Kalo, Head of Vanuatu Women’s Rugby and Ambassador Yauvoli at the MSG Secretariat
07 October 2019
The Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat through the office of the Director General Ambassador Amena Yauvoli, this morning hosted the Vanuatu National Women’s Rugby Sevens team with a morning tea at the Secretariat Headquarters as a show of support as they prepare to take part in the Oceania Tournament on November 7th to 9th in Suva, Fiji.
“I am glad to support the Vanuatu Women’s Rugby Sevens Team, which is consistent with the newly established Sports Programme of the MSG Secretariat for social inclusivity” said Ambassador Yauvoli. “Sports when nurtured and supported well and more importantly when engaging our women’s participation will no doubt enhance and empower them to become better leaders and citizens as well as contributing towards the socio-economic development of Vanuatu.”
While donating a cheque of Vt200, 000 for the team to Mrs Annie Kalo, Head of Vanuatu Women’s Rugby, Ambassador Yauvoli emphasized that it is not about financial assistance that is important, “but for us being able to support your willingness to be part of this regional competition to nurture your confidence and skills that matters.”
This is not the first time the Secretariat had made contributions towards the development of sports in Vanuatu. Last year in 2018, the Secretariat donated a similar amount to support the Vanuatu Men’s Rugby Team.
The Secretariat has been emphasizing sports and recognizes that similar to culture, it is a tool for development as it acts like the glue that binds our people together and promotes people to people interaction and exchanges.
Recently the Secretariat successfully hosted the inaugural MSG Sports Ministers Meeting here in Vanuatu when the MSG Sports Ministers also affirmed their support for Sport Development within the MSG sub-region. The MSG Sports Ministers were deeply appreciative of the development of sports within our sub regional group, through the Secretariat and they were happy to endorse the revival of the Melanesian Football Cup and other MSG Sports Tournaments discussed believing they will provide a platform for us to learn from each other as well as providing opportunities to help MSG teams prepare and compete in international competitions.
Director General Ambassador Amena Yauvoli wished the Vanuatu Women’s Rugby Sevens team all the best in their preparations and participation in the 2019 Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship which will be held from the 7th to 9th of November at ANZ Stadium in Suva, Fiji. The team are due to depart Port Vila for Suva on the 4th and return home on the 10th November 2019.