Three young athletes will make history for Vanuatu when they represent the country at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, in early November.

Chloe Ameara, Rémy Idieder and Teva Chabod will compete in swimming and rowing, marking the first time Vanuatu has sent athletes to compete at the international youth sporting event.

Speaking to VBTC Sports at Port Vila International Airport, the athletes expressed their excitement and pride at having the opportunity to represent their country on the international stage.

Athletes excited to represent Vanuatu

Rowing athlete Teva Chabod said he was looking forward to competing and had been working hard in preparation for the Games.

“I will try my best to go as far as I can. This is my first time participating in an event like this, and I am really excited to represent my country. I have been looking forward to the event and training hard.”

Swimmer Chloe Ameara also expressed her excitement about representing Vanuatu and asked the public to remember the athletes and team officials in their prayers as they travel to Senegal.

“We have done a lot of training, and I am happy to represent Vanuatu on this big Olympic stage. This is my first time representing Vanuatu.”

Chloe Ameara and Rémy Idieder will compete in swimming, while Chabod will represent Vanuatu in rowing.

VASANOC calls for greater government support

Vanuatu Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (VASANOC) Secretary General Cyrille Mainguy congratulated the team on the opportunity to compete at the Youth Olympic Games.

He said the event would bring together more than 2,700 athletes, making it an important opportunity for Vanuatu’s young representatives.

Mainguy also expressed disappointment over the lack of financial support from the Government for athletes representing the country internationally.

“It is a very good opportunity, and VASANOC is very proud to send a youth team to the Youth Olympic Games. We wish the team all the best, but we are disappointed that the Government has again not come through with financial support for our athletes.”

Preparing for the international stage

The three athletes are expected to compete in early November in Dakar, Senegal.

Their participation marks an important milestone for Vanuatu’s youth sports development, giving the athletes an opportunity to gain international experience while representing their country.