Port Vila, Vanuatu, 30-03-2026: Secondary schools across Vanuatu are being urged to begin preparations as a new national-level competition is set to kick off, offering students an exciting opportunity to compete, develop their talents, and represent their schools on a larger stage.
The Minister for Youth, Justice and Community Services, Job Sam Andy, has officially launched the National School League (NSL), marking a significant milestone in the development of grassroots sports in Vanuatu.
The launch event, held at Warwick Le Lagon, brought together key stakeholders from across the education and sports sectors, underscoring a shared commitment to strengthening youth development through sport.
The National School League is an initiative of the Vanuatu National Sports Authority VNSA, designed to address the lack of structured sporting programs and clear development pathways for young athletes nationwide. The program will initially target schools in and around Port Vila, offering students the opportunity to compete in organized and competitive sporting environments.
In its first phase, the league will involve more than 36 schools, divided into six groups of six teams. Students will compete across seven different sporting disciplines throughout the 2026 calendar year, creating a dynamic and inclusive platform for talent identification and development.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Andy emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent, pointing to success stories such as Marie Estelle Kapalu, Anolyn Lulu, Miller Elwin Pata and others who rose through grassroots competitions like the inter-district games. He expressed confidence that the NSL would help produce the next generation of athletes capable of representing Vanuatu at regional and international levels.
“We must continue to deliver sports programs at both provincial and national levels to identify talented athletes who can represent Vanuatu in sub-regional, regional, and international competitions,” he said. “The National School League is not just about winning, but about building character, fostering unity, and developing future leaders.”
The Minister also acknowledged the support of the Vanuatu Ministry of Education for reintegrating sports into the school system, noting that the initiative aligns closely with national development priorities.
The event featured the official unveiling of the league’s logo by Minister Andy alongside Antoine Boudier, President of the Vanuatu Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee VASANOC. Mr. Boudier commended the strong collaboration between government ministries and highlighted the importance of inclusivity in sports.
He noted that Vanuatu’s first Commonwealth Games medal was won by a para-athlete, reinforcing the need to ensure opportunities for athletes of all abilities. He encouraged parents and guardians of children with special needs to actively support their participation in the league.
The National School League is expected to play a pivotal role in building a stronger and more inclusive sporting culture in Vanuatu. Beyond competition, the initiative aims to promote physical fitness, social interaction, and higher standards of performance among young people across the country.