(ATR) IOC president Thomas Bach hopes for speedy reconstruction of sports facilities in Vanuatu, six weeks after the country was hit by a devastating cyclone.
"When a nation's athletes thrive it has a positive effect on the whole community, and when young people get a chance to play sport it can bring a whole community together," Bach said in a statement.
The IOC chief visited Vanuatu on Sunday as part of a long journeywhich has seen him travel throughout Australia, Europe, India and the U.S.
In March, Vanuatu was among four NOCs affected by disastrous cyclones that hit the Oceania region.
Bach met with Vanuatu's political and sports leaders to discuss how the IOC and Association of National Olympic Committees plan to help rebuild sports venues and the headquarters of the Vanuatu NOC.
According to the IOC, $500,000 will also be used to help other countries affected by the disaster including Kiribati, Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands.
"We hope that our contribution will give hope to the whole population," Bach said.
During his visit, Bach toured of an array of facilities in Vanuatu including a hockey and multisport center, and venues for basketball, boxing, football, table tennis, netball and cricket.
The IOC president volleyed up competition with young local tennis players at a training center in the capital, Port Vila, and visited the Vanuatu rowing club.
"Vanuatu is starting to rebuild and we are here to take part in this process by helping to rebuild the nation's sporting infrastructure," Bach said during a reception on Sunday.
"We want to support the athletes in this region so that they can return to their sporting life as soon as possible, and prepare for their next sporting challenges."
Joe Natuman, Prime Minister of Vanuatu, expressed his thanks for the help of the IOC.
"Despite the devastation, sport remains vital to Vanuatu. We will try to support sport in whatever way we can and to respect the independence of sport."
During his stop in the South Pacific on Sunday, Bach also met with Vanuatu President Baldwin Lonsdale.
The IOC chief and Robin Mitchell, president of the Oceania National Olympic Committees, presented the Order of Vanuatu to Lonsdale for his services to sport in the country.
Bach ended his stay with a tour of the Vanuatu NOC headquarters. After meeting with Antoine Boudier, president of the NOC, he spoke during the opening of a museum dedicated to Vanuatu's athletes.
"We came to Vanuatu to encourage you. We are leaving inspired by you.
"We are happy to contribute to rebuilding your country and, through sport, give hope to people and particularly youth in Vanuatu."
Written byNicole Bennett
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