All smiles as Vanuatu Para-athletes Touch Down in Birmingham for Commonwealth Games 2022

Port Vila, Vanuatu April 14 2022: In an amazing turn of events, six Vanuatu para-athletes finally touch down in Birmingham this week, after struggling to get their paperwork ready amidst a community outbreak in Vanuatu. 

The future seemed bleak for two of the athletes, George Langa and Daniel Metal who received a call that they were no longer able to travel after months of preparation for the pre-qualification competition for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.  However just days before their departure, the entire team managed to secure their flights thanks to the hard work of the VPC President Margret Macfarlane and the Vanuatu Paralympic Committee (VPC), and other partners. 

The team which includes George Langa, Ellie Enock, Margaret Sohi, Rodney Ben, Rodney Telo and Daniel Metal departed the country last Saturday with the team manager, Asha Boehula and have safely arrived in Birmingham and are now preparing to compete.  The six athletes will compete in respective track and field events over the coming weeks aiming to qualify for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“The Vanuatu Tourism Office is very proud to support Team Vanuatu on their way to England for the Commonwealth Games 2022,” says Adela Issachar Aru, VTO CEO

“Seeing our athletes competing on the international stage fills us with pride and of course puts Vanuatu on the map as we are a destination that is full of diversity, inclusivity and are proud of our heritage and our para-athletes have become our ambassadors flying our flag this time in the games.”

“Our para-athletes have overcome many personal challenges, especially during this difficult time of the covid19 pandemic, which makes their achievements even greater.  Sport brings people from all over the world together for a common interest, the VTO strongly supports Sports tourism and is looking forward to promoting Vanuatu’s sporting events once borders are open in July 2022.”