Team Vanuatu received a special blessing during a church service at the Anglican Church in Port Vila on Sunday, ahead of their departure to the Pacific Mini Games in Palau.

Athletes were blessed by church leaders and also received a symbolic blessing of the national flag as they prepare to represent Vanuatu in the regional competition.

Team Vanuatu will compete in eight sports disciplines at this year’s Games.

Chef de Mission Aileen Huri officially announced the list of sports federations the team will participate in: swimming, athletics, beach volleyball, 3×3 basketball, table tennis, weightlifting, judo, archery, and para-athletics.

Huri said she and the team’s management will travel ahead to Palau to prepare before the full delegation arrives.

From the government side, Senior Sports Development Officer Reginald Kipe from the Department of Sports reminded the athletes to maintain unity as the tournament approaches.

“From today onward, we focus on the Games. As has been said, we must be united, commit to training, and stay focused. We acknowledge that support has been limited in some areas, and we apologize for that—but we take it as a lesson learned,” he said.

Team Vanuatu is scheduled to depart the country on June 26 for Palau.