9 Sep 2013

Sport: PGC votes not to include NZ/Aus, asks for more info

7:18 am on 9 September 2013

The Pacific Games Council has rejected a resolution to invite New Zealand and Australia to participate in the next Pacific Games in Port Moresby.

But members have asked the Executive Board to revisit the issue next year.

Vinnie Wylie reports from Wallis.

"The resolution, proposed at the Council's General Assembly in Wallis and Futuna yesterday, would have allowed the Pacific Games Council to invite athletes from New Zealand and Australia to compete in up to eight sports at the 2015 Games in Papua New Guinea. The President of the Pacific Games Council, Vidhya Lakhan, says a Continental Games would align the region with what is happening in other parts of the world. Some countries expressed concerns over the impact including New Zealand and Australia would have on the competitiveness of Pacific countries and the unique culture of the current Games."

Some members also wanted time to consult with their respective national sporting bodies. Vidhya Lakhan says any first step would only invite Australia and New Zealand to compete in selected sports, where the Pacific is competitive, and would be done on their terms. The vote was defeated but a late motion, raised by Papua New Guinea, was passed, asking the Executive Board to re-look at the issue and come back with more information at next year's General Assembly.

Meanwhile competition resumes in Wallis and Futuna today following a rest day.

Taekwondo makes its debut in the Kafika Hall at 10 o'clock this morning (Wallis and NZT) with volleyball, beach volleyball and sailing also back in action.

Rugby sevens will enter the Games programme from tomorrow.