The ceremony, held at the Sénat Coutumier headquarters in Nouville this afternoon, was overseen by two representatives from New Caledonia’s North Province; Armand Goroboredjo and Samuel Goromido.
One of the key roles of the Sénat Coutumier is to be consulted on all matters related to the country and its future, and includes greeting visiting groups like that of the Oceania Football Confederation and the teams participating in this week’s tournament.
Goromido expressed his pleasure at being present to welcome the delegations into his country.
“Thank you for coming from each Pacific Island country,” he told representatives from New Zealand, Tahiti, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Malaysia.
“We are proud to welcome you to our country, our land and we hope you will enjoy your stay, and your tournament.”
As part of the ceremony, Federation Caledonienne de Football interim president Jules Hmuen offered a traditional gesture on behalf of the group, with OFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Development Officer Paul Toohey also presenting a token on behalf of football’s regional governing body.
“I will speak for all these delegations from the Pacific, and Malaysia, as we thank you for this welcome into New Caledonia,” shared Hmuen.
“Here on the Grand Terre we give our gift to you, and receive yours. We would like to thank you for this gesture and we acknowledge that the Sénat Coutumier has not only welcomed us, but given your blessing for this competition to take place.
“This presents each team present with the opportunity to represent their country with valour, a quality the Sénat Coutumier holds in high esteem.”
Goromido and Goroboredjo presented several gifts of their own to the small group present which Gorobredjo explained the significance of.
“The ignam represents the country of New Caledonia, the sculpure represents the symbols of our country. For each of you, the path remains clear for you to search prosperity and goodness here in our country.”
The OFC Futsal Championship Invitational gets underway at Arene du Sud in Paita, New Caledonia tomorrow. The first match is an encounter between AFC guests Malaysia and New Zealand at 6pm before Vanuatu take on Tahiti at 8pm.

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