The future of venues being built for the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu is starting to take shape.
Games organisers Van2017, in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, the Sports Commission of Vanuatu and VASANOC, have begun discussions to ensure the venues will be well managed and maintained once the Mini Games conclude in December.
Larry Sengstock from Otium Planning Group in Melbourne spent six days in Port Vila meeting with various officials and talking with the Sports Commission about the process and key elements of a business plan.
Mr Sengstock also worked with the PNG Government following the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby.
Larry Sengstock from Otium Planning Group visited Vanuatu this month. Photo: Supplied
He said the first thing to do is to get a clear vision of who are and what the stakeholders want.
"In this case the stakeholders also include non-sporting entities who want to have access to the facilities on an ongoing basis for festivals, conventions etc," he said.
"[It] is very clear that the ability to pay for access for many sporting groups is a major issue. There needs to be rate sheets and policies approved that will ensure a balance between elite athlete use, commercial use, and local grassroots usage."
The Korman Complex in Port Vila will be the main venue for the 2017 Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu. Photo: Van2017
The Acting Director of Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, George Maletoka, indicated the model presented can be achieved if the process starts immediately.
He said it is no good to wait until after the Games to sort things out and it was critical to have the structure of manpower and support in place during the handover stage from the contractors, and in place for the Games.
Mr Maletoka said the venues caould then go into operations mode without delay in January 2018.
Van2017 CEO Clint Flood Photo: Van2017
Van2017 CEO Clint Flood said the real measure of success and importance of hosting the Pacific Mini Games will be seen and felt in the years to come with venues that are fully functional and maintained and being used for all sorts of activities in the community.
Korman Complex is currently being upgraded under a program by the People's Republic of China and being built by CCECC.
The work includes two indoor multipurpose halls, a new running track and grandstand, six tennis courts, four beach volleyball courts and an archery range.
The facilities are scheduled to be handed over on October 30.
