French President Sarkozy to open Pacific Games in Noumea

President Nicolas Sarkozy will officially open the 14th Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia, on 27th August.

The French President confirmed his presence at the Games opening ceremony, recently stating "I shall go to New Caledonia to open the Pacific Games."

Pacific Games Games Organising Committee President Pascale Bastien-Thiry said the French territory was honoured to have President Sarkozy (pictured) as its guest of honour, stating "the presence of the President of the Republic for the opening ceremony is a fabulous spotlight on the Pacific Games in particular, on New Caledonia and on all countries of the Oceania in general."

The 14th Pacific Games are set to be one the largest ever with 22 countries attending including 5,000 athletes and officials participating in 27 sports spread over 37 venues in New Caledonia.

Meanwhile, Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) and Pacific Games Council President Vidhya Lakhan has said he is happy with the progress made by the Organising Committee.

Lakhan recently advised that most of the sporting venues are almost ready to host the games, adding that most venues had already held test events.

Lakhan explained "preparation for the games are going very well. We do not have any area of concern as far as the 2011 games is concerned."

However, Lahkan did suggest that President Sarkozy's attendance would present "security issues."

FASANOC Chief Executive Lorraine Mar added that the Noumea games "organising committee is more than ready for us to go there."

Mar said the games village, where the athletes will be hosted, is near completion and incorporates some unique features designed for the entertainment of the athletes. Mar was also impressed with the US$15 million aquatic centre built for the games.

The 14th Pacific Games are previewed in the July/August 2011 issue of Australasian Leisure Management.

For more information go to www.nc2011.nc/index.php?lang=english

3rd September 2010 - 12 MONTH COUNTDOWN TO 14TH PACIFIC GAMES