MEDIA RELEASE: PLAY FOR EQUITY TO EXPAND INCLUSIVE SPORT AND RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES IN TEOUMAVILLE
The community-led project will use sport and recreation to create more accessible, inclusive and connected spaces for people of all ages and abilities.
Port Vila, Vanuatu | Women, girls, young people and people living with disabilities in Teoumaville will have greater opportunities to participate in community life through safe, accessible and inclusive sport and recreation as part of their newly launched Play for Equity project.
Led by the Teoumaville Community Council of Chiefs (T3C), the project will deliver practical initiatives to make community spaces and activities more inclusive and accessible. These include installing ramps and other accessibility features at the Teoumaville community park; chess programs and mentoring led by national chess champions; sitting volleyball activities through the Volley4Change program; and inclusive community sporting events.
Play for Equity supports individuals and organisations across the Pacific to deliver small, community-led projects that promote disability and gender justice through sport and play. This cycle, Round Four of the Fund is delivered through a partnership between the Australian Government’s Team Up program and the International Olympic Committee through Olympism365 and contributes to the objectives of the Oceania Impact Network.
The project was officially launched on Sunday 18 October 2026 during T3C's first anniversary celebration and Thanksgiving Church Service at Kavirere School in Teouma. The event was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, Hon. Jotham Napat, Australian High Commissioner H.E. Max Willis, New Zealand High Commissioner H.E. Peter Kemp, faith leaders, partner organisations and community members.
Held under the theme ‘An Inclusive and Resilient Community’, the celebration highlighted the role of sport, recreation and community leadership in creating spaces where more people can participate and feel included.
“The Teoumaville community and Council of Chiefs are grateful to be part of Play for Equity. We look forward to implementing the project and creating more opportunities for people across our community to participate and feel included,” said George Tasso, spokesperson for the Teoumaville Community Council of Chiefs.
During the celebration, Prime Minister Napat led a prayer of dedication for the Play for Equity project and reflected on the importance of faith, strong values and community foundations in supporting an inclusive and resilient Teoumaville Community, while acknowledging the contribution of partners including Australia.
Speaking at the launch, Australian High Commissioner H.E Max Willis reaffirmed Australia's commitment to supporting inclusive development and strengthening community connections through sport.
“Australia is proud to support locally led initiatives that use sport to expand participation for people of all abilities and bring communities closer together,” High Commissioner Willis said.
Through Play for Equity, T3C will work with the Teoumaville community to create more accessible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport, recreation and community life.
