Representatives of Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and the Pacific Games Council (PGC) came together in Fiji yesterday to sign an agreement aimed at enhancing the capacity of the four-yearly Pacific Games (formerly known as the South Pacific Games).
Beginning in 1963, the Pacific Games is a multi-sport event similar to the Olympics or Commonwealth Games but on a smaller scale, with entry open exclusively to countries in the South Pacific. It includes a football competition that doubles as the first stage of qualifying for the all-important FIFA World Cup™ tournaments.
The agreement signed yesterday by PGC President Vidhya Lakhan and OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas, on behalf of OFC President Reynald Temarii, details how both organisations will work closely together to ensure successful delivery of the football component of future Pacific Games. Nicholas says the aim is to build on the success of the XIII Games in Samoa in 2007.
“In Samoa we had 19 teams from 11 countries competing in the men’s and women’s football and it was a wonderful showcase of Oceania’s elite,” said Nicholas.
“Media interest was also high because Samoa 2007 marked the beginning of the road for 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifying – not only in Oceania, but the world.
“Following on from that success, we are committed to working side by side with PGC to maximize the potential of this event.”
As stated in the Memorandum of Understanding, OFC will help to promote future Pacific Games and support football infrastructure while designating a Technical Delegate to work directly with the Organising Committee.
PGC and OFC will also work together to use the Games as a tool for education, capacity building, cultural exchanges, empowerment of women, health promotion and economic development.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Priscilla Duncan
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5651
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 884 018
Joel Tiller
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5654
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 994 520