Vanuatu Beach Volleyball team upset Canada in first World Beach Games

Oct 14, 2019 | Sports | 0

Vanuatu Beach Volleyball 4X4 women’s team upset Canada 2-0 in their opening game of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games in Doha, Qatar last Saturday.

Vanuatu proved themselves too strong in the opening set winning 21-18, the women maintained composure and lifted intensity in the second set as they upset the world favourite Canada 21-19 in the second set.

The Canadians only had themselves to blame with unforced errors which cost them the game.

Canada beach volleyball women pair of Melissa Humana and Sarah Pavan is number one on the FIVB Beach Volleyball ranking with 6080 points.

Opening Ceremony

Meanwhile the opening ceremony of the first ANOC World Beach Games on Saturday was a classic.

The surprise entry of a traditional Arab dhow to welcome the athletes of world set the seal on a captivating yet distinct opening games.

As a prelude to the formal declaration, children carried in illuminated globes representing the five continental Olympic Associations in an original representation of the emblem of ANOC.

The introduction of these games coincide with the 40th anniversary of ANOC.

It was in 1979 that the organisation was formally constituted in San Juan.

“Together we are making history helping National Olympic Committees connect with new sports and new stars and new generations,” ’said Acting ANOC President Robin Mitchell.

He referred to Doha’s race against time to get ready after original hosts San Diego pulled out earlier this year.

“We are very grateful for your support and dedication,” he told the Doha 2019 Organising Committee and paid tribute to “hard work in just three short months to provide an excellent environment.

“ANOC developed a vision of a global sport event at captivating beach locations and as the action unfolds over the next few days, I am confident you will see the dream realised.”

Instead of a lengthy march past of athletes, most of those competing took their places in the marble rows of seats which had each been furnished with cushions in maroon, the national colour of Qatar.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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In Unity Our Advocacy Becomes a Chorus The women working to end violence in Vanuatu September 14, 2023
What comes to mind when you think of the Pacific? The rhetoric usually centres on happiness and holidays, cocktails by the beach and the cordial welcome received from locals wherever one may travel. The shout of Bula in Fiji, a Welkam in Vanuatu, or a Malo e lelei in Tonga. While that story does indeed ring true for many, there is another story that needs to be told: the work of an incredible cohort across the region working to combat, and end, all forms of violence against women. The Pacific region has some of the highest rates of violence against women in the world, with up to 68 percent of women having reported experiencing physical or sexual violence by a partner in their lifetime. This figure is more than twice the global average. Pacific Women Lead’s 2021 National Survey on Women’s Lives and Family Relationships evidenced amongst those women who have ever had an intimate sexual relationship with a partner in Vanuatu: 60 percent had experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime 68 percent had experienced emotional violence 28 percent were subjected to several forms of control by their partner 69 percent experienced at least one form of coercive control, and most of these were continuing to live lives involving physical and sexual violence Women are constantly at risk of violence and threats, regardless of where they are. Women are not safe on the streets, in their homes, at work, in places of study, places of worship, or places of recreation. Any small change is a step in the right direction The global Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls is a United Nations joint initiative supported by the European Union and other partners. 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While the vast majority of perpetrators are men, if we want to make change, we need to realise that this can only be done via a whole-of-community approach,” said Dr. Astrid Kersten, Executive Director of Human Capacity Development International (HCDI). HCDI take a whole-of-community approach to their work, collaborating with village chiefs all the way through to younger members of the community. This approach sees a broad cross-section of voices and opinions accounted for, ensuring that through community buy-in the behaviour change work they undertake is sustainable in the long-term. 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VANGO Chairman Calls for NGO, CSO Registration Ahead of Mapping Exercise September 14, 2023
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Consultation on GBV Response Marks Progress in Gender Equality Policy September 11, 2023
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Vanuatu Introduces Provincial Disability Officers and Committees September 6, 2023
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