VCA gets thumbs up from ICC!

The Vanuatu Cricket Association (VCA) has been given an excellent report card for its ICC EAP U19 World Cup Qualifying Tournament preparations, following an inspection by the International Cricket Council (ICC)

ICC Development (East Asia-Pacific) Media Release

16-Jul-2007

Competing countries in the week long event will come from the East Asia-Pacific region, and include Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Japan and hosts Vanuatu. The winner will earn direct entry to the 2008 ICC U19 World Cup, which will be held in Malaysia. This will ensure the tournament in Port Vila will be hotly contested by four quality teams.

Bron Madigan, ICC EAP Regional Project Officer, has this week been in Port Vila carrying out an inspection of facilities and has met with key officials as preparations for this important tournament progress.

"Vanuatu Cricket Association's logistical preparations are already well underway. I have inspected the grounds which will be used for the Tournament and am very impressed with the quality of the facilities. Having staged the successful 2005 EAP Cricket Cup Tournament, the VCA staff have used their experience to their advantage. They have also been working very hard at getting corporate sponsorship from the local Port Vila community," Mrs Madigan said.

VCA President, Mr Mark Stafford says the VCA has been encouraged by the support it has received from local businesses, both in terms of financial and in-kind contributions.

"All of the tournament's players and officials will be staying at the Coconut Palms Resort, and the Resort's management has been very accommodating, making organising the event much easier for us. The Resort's recent upgrade means the players will be more than happy with the standard of facilities available during their stay," Mr Stafford said.

"We also have generous support from Pacific Suppliers, Olex Cables, and Port Vila law firm Ridgway Blake, all of whom have made significant financial contributions.

"We look forward to announcing more tournament sponsors in the near future.

The tournament also has the backing of the Vanuatu Government, with the Minister for Youth Development and Training, the Honourable Dunstan Hilton offering his support.

"We have been a long time supporter of cricket in Vanuatu. We realise how important this Tournament is to continuing the development of the sport. We fully endorse VCA in the hosting of the U19 Tournament and look forward to fostering our relationship with the Association in the future," Mr Hilton said.

Mrs Madigan met with the Minister this week, as part of her visit.

"I can't wait to return to Port Vila in July to watch some great cricket!" Mrs Madigan said.