The Vanuatu Aquatics Federation has marked the new year by entering into a partnership with Vanuatu Society for People with Disability (VSPD).
The MOU was signed on February 9 by the VSPD Project Coordinator Christelle George and VAF Programs Coordinator Louisa Pedro Kalman. The agreement outlines how the two organizations intend to work together to deliver sport for development programs. The VAF programs to be delivered will be ‘Learn to Swim’ and ‘Mama Aquatics’.
The two organizations are currently finalizing strategies and logistical plans for the programs to be delivered once a week at Mele Beach starting from March. The VAF team are looking forward to working, learning and growing with VSPD. The MOU is for period of one-year.
The primary purpose of this partnership is to further enhance inclusive sport for development programs, empower the women within this group to participate in sports for development programs and be able to include people of all ages and abilities to be involved in physical activity through a sport.
“VSPD is very happy about this partnership, to be able to work together and be engaged in swimming programs,” said Christelle George Project Coordinator at VSPD.
“This also serves as a platform for our participants to be empowered and socialize together providing an opportunity to speak about the different challenges they encounter. Overall, this is a beneficial agreement both physically and mentally and we are happy to be involved.”
VAF President Nancy Miyake added she too is excited about the partnership.
“The signing of this MoU demonstrates our shared interest in expanding well-being and physical activity opportunities to people of all abilities.
“VAF is glad to share our passion in helping more people be safer in the water, and experience the health benefits of participating in aquatic activity,” said Miyake.
She concluded by saying that the federation is looking forward to a productive partnership with VSPD.
VAF will be putting updates and news about the programs on its Facebook page and website. We also welcome new partnerships from other inclusive organizations that are interested for an engagement program that both parties can work.
