Sport is a vital tool for development and when it is driven strategically encompassing as many values as possible the impact it has on a region or globally can be quite profound.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group Prime Ministers Cup presently hosted in Vanuatu aims to enhance bilateral agreements and partnerships for the Melanesian people.
PNG Sports Foundation Executive Director Albert Veratau is adamant that Sport can act as a tool for change by uniting our people.
Veratau is in Vanuatu after facilitating PNG participation in the revived competition through collaborative efforts from various Government partners.
“Melanesian people alone make up over 50% of the population in the Pacific region. These are the people from the five countries in PNG, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia including the regions in West Papua, the Torres Strait Islanders and the Australian Aboriginals.”
“Together we will have an impact on the global stage but we need strategic and necessary decisions to unite our sub-region,” Veratau said.
Melanesian countries are already making an impact in sports like Rugby Union, Beach Volleyball, Soccer, Rugby League and Futsal with its people among the stars of high-level competitions like NRL in Australia, Super League in England, and Super Rugby in the Southern Hemisphere.
PNG alone with over 8 million population has taken the necessary steps to initiate talks for the revival of the Melanesian Cup through the MSG Sports Secretariat through former chairman John Susuve, a senior officer of the PNG Sports Foundation.
Now a FIFA-sanctioned event that will in future include a women’s edition, plans are mooted to bring other sports into the fold.
“This is the best in Melanesia and the Pacific coming together to enhance their skills and showcasing some amazing talents.”
“The more we come together to celebrate our skills there lies the more opportunities for strengthening ties and developing collaborative programs for improved outcomes.”
“Conversations on development goals must be had sooner rather than later to define our role in the Pacific and Oceania region,” said Susuve.
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