International Sports Day in Port Vila brought together various sports supported by the TEAM UP program.

TEAM UP is a sports development program with more than 35 partnerships across the Asia-Pacific, working to achieve development goals through sport.

Although International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is celebrated globally on April 6 each year, this year’s local celebration took place last weekend on March 11 at Korman Field.

Four main sports supported by TEAM UP participated in the event, including hockey, aquatics, cricket, AFL, football, and volleyball for change, although not all were able to attend on the day.

A total of 139 children from different schools and communities took part in the one-day event.

VBTC Sports attended and witnessed the program, where children trained in different sports while also receiving important social messages from development officers.

VBTC Sports spoke with Daisy Rose Sibiti, Country Coordinator for TEAM UP in Vanuatu, about the purpose behind the event.

“Team Up has six different partners in the country funded by the Australian Government through sport. We go out to deliver social messages to communities. At the moment, we have aquatics running their program and Vanuatu Cricket advocating against violence.”

The outcome of the day was positive, with children enjoying the activities and engagement across the sports.

However, only four sports were able to run activities, as Volleyball for Change and football were not present.

Mary Estelle, Program Manager for Vanuatu Cricket, expressed satisfaction with the event.

“They had fun. We look forward to more of these games. This was great, and another one should happen around May. Thank you to all the sports that participated.”

Another similar sports development event is expected to take place later this year.