Mansale to carry flag at Pacific Games

Vanuatu National Cricket Captain Andrew Mansale has been given the huge honour of carrying the Vanuatu Flag at the opening ceremony of the 2011 Pacific Games that kick off in New Caledonia on Saturday.

Mansale was informed of the decision late last week by the Vanuatu Olympic Committee and says it will be a moment he will cherish for the rest of his life.

"I feel honored and proud to lead the whole Vanuatu delegate to the Pacific Games in New Caledonia and most of all I thank God for that," said Mansale.

Vanuatu Cricket Association President Mark Stafford also paid tribute to Mansale stating that he is more than just a great cricketer.

"Andrew is an exemplary person and sportsman. He has always upheld the true Spirit of Cricket, which translates easily into the Olympic Spirit since he first represented Vanuatu as 15 year old," said Stafford. "VASANOC could not have chosen a more appropriate person for this role."

PNG will enter the Pacific Games Cricket Competition as raging favourites to walk away with their 6th straight gold medal, however Mansale is hoping that the near full strength side that Vanuatu has at their disposal will cause more than a few headaches for the competition.

"To have PNG, Fiji and New Caledonia in the fight for the Gold is going to be tough but I trust all my players and I know we will make our country proud," said Mansale.

In the true spirit that contributed to Mansale's appointment he also spoke about the camaraderie between teams in the Pacific that he values so highly.

"I would like to wish all the teams the best of luck and trust we will always be friends after the games," he said. "This is what I like about cricket."

The cricket competition begins on Monday 29 August with New Caledonia playing Fiji and the Mansale led Vanuatu taking on PNG.