Council rejects inclusion of New Zealand, Aust

 THE Pacific Games Council has rejected a resolution to invite New Zealand and Australia to take part in the next Pacific Games in Port Moresby.

But members have asked the executive board to revisit the issue next year.

“The resolution, proposed at the council’s general assembly in Wallis and Futuna 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,” Radio Australia reported.

The president of the Pacific Games Council, Vidhya Lakhan, said a Continental Games would align the region with what was happening in other parts of the world. 

Some countries expressed concerns over the impact New Zealand and Australia would have on the competitiveness of Pacific countries and the unique culture of the current Games.

Some members wanted time to consult with their respective national sporting bodies. 

Lakhan said any first step would only invite Australia and New Zealand to compete in selected sports, where the Pacific was competitive, and that 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.”