Mana the Mascot

Mana the Manumea, is the Official Mascot of the 2007 XIII South Pacific Games. This extraordinary bird has been given the mission of spreading the spirit of the games wherever he is found on the beautiful islands of Samoa.

Mana belongs to an indigenous species of tooth billed pigeon (Didunculus strigirostris Peale) locally known as the Manumea. The bird is thought to be related to the South American Dodo. When he is not at work promoting the games, Mana can be found living inland in the undisturbed forests of Samoa.

Standing proud with his shinning green coat and chestnut wings Mana the Manumea enjoys playing a vital role in spreading the games messages of goodwill and peace, particularly to the children of Samoa and the Pacific.

Conservation

Education is also a vital part of his job, promoting the protection of the environment at a time where many animal and plant habitats, are under threat from pressure on their habitats, and man made interventions.

Indeed deforestation, over harvesting and natural disasters, has led to a significant decrease in bird numbers. Today there are fewer than 1100 at large. This lead the World Conservation Union classifying the bird as an endangered species.

Mana has four tips for saving the species:

1. Promote conservation methods for bird preservation
2. Plant native trees
3. Conserve native rainforest.
4. Promote more community awareness

Samoa is committed to playing a vital role in the world heritage arena as the guardian of this unique species.

The South Pacific Games Authority applauds the Department of Environment and Conservation’s efforts to preserve the Manumea and its’ habitat. The Manumea is now fully protected by law and all hunting is banned. The bird has become a flagship in the promotion of conservation awareness.

Mana and the 2007 South Pacific Games

Mana says he is humbled with the honor of representing his country for the 2007 South Pacific Games and looks forward to making these games memorable for all the regions athletes as well as the visitors to our shores.

Go Mana, Live the Dream!

MANA’S PROFILE

The team at the South Pacific Games Authority sat down with Mana for an exclusive interview about his role in the games and how he was feeling about it.

What does it mean to you to be chosen as the official mascot for the 2007 South Pacific Games?

I feel this is a tremendous honor! I feel privileged to have been chosen to become the mascot for the 2007 South Pacific Games in Samoa. I really want to get everyone excited about the games and to spread the spirit of the Games to people all over the Pacific.

Why do you think the Manumea bird is a good mascot for SPG 2007?

Well are very friendly birds with lots of energy and a calm nature. With our shining green coats and chestnut wings we are also eye-catching. Over time we have become an important part of the history and folklore of this country. Despite this, our numbers are dwindling fairly rapidly. So it’s very important that all Pacific islanders are aware of how endangered we have become, and what needs to be done to protect and preserve our future.

With all your work for the  XIIIth Games what message do you hope to send out?

I hope that I can lead by example for all the children who are going to come and watch the games. I want the children and visitors to know that you just need to give it your best try and that having fun is what really matters in the end.

I also want everyone in the Pacific and beyond to experience my beautiful and friendly country. I am going to work hard at making sure they all feel welcome.

NEWS ABOUT MANA (Press Releases)

Introducing Mana the Mascot

Sept 11 2006

The South Pacific Games Authority is proud to introduce you to Mana the Manumea.

Mana has been chosen as the Official Mascot of the Samoa 2007 XIII South Pacific Games.

Mana the Manumea was launched during September at a cocktail function for cabinet, sponsors, sporting bodies and dignitaries. After breaking through a paper banner, Mana was joined by Samoan rap artist Mr. T, who hyped the audience with his special performance.

Joining the celebrations were Dance Polynesia, who performed their unique brand of traditional and contemporary dance fusion.  Later on guests were given the chance to get up close and personal with Mana, with individual photo opportunities.

The aquatic centre was aglow with candles, spotlights and confetti, as the 200 guests took in the ambience from the new pool facilities. As the leadin to the launch, guests were given a brief insight into the Manumea’s history complete with the  an audio of the birds call.

In the coming months Mana will be busy promoting the spirit of the games at schools and various promotions. He is keen to get involved with all the events leading up to and during the games.

Mana says, “I am going to hard to promote the games and I hope that I can bring a sense of fun to all the children out there who want to learn about the games. I think that the games will be a great opportunity for all the nations in the Pacific to come together to celebrate their passion for sports and have a good time”. 

The South Pacific Games Authority looks forward to the 2007 Games and the role Mana the Mascot will play. Samoa 2007, Live the Dream!

Mana the Mascot greets the public

Sept 11 2006

Mana, the Official Mascot of the Samoa 2007 XIII South Pacific Games, was one of the stars of the Teuila Festival float parade last Friday morning.

This was the first opportunity for the Samoan public to meet Mana the Mascot.

Mana and his family are an endangered species known as the Manumea. There fewer than 1100 Manumea’s left in existence and therefore it is vital that action is taken now to conserve the bird.

The South Pacific Games Authority Teuila Festival float was themed around Mana’s habitat of low lying tree trunks and the Samoan forest. The South Pacific Games Authority identified the Teuila Festival parade as an opportunity to highlight and draw awareness to the Manumea’s plight.

Aboard his habitat float Mana proved a crowd favorite for many of the thousands  of children and spectators who witnessed the parade.

 Also on hand offering their support was SPGA’s presenting partner ANZ, major sponsor SamoaTel and official supplier IPA. The sponsors supported Mana in the parade in great numbers and excited were on hand with stacks of free giveaways!
 
As the parade meandered along Beach Rd in the heart of the capital,Mana was given a rousing reception from the scores of  spectators and sporting figures lining the sidewalks. The President of SASNOC, Vaeolenofoafia Vui Tepasu Leung Wai acknowledged the South Pacific Games Authority’s far sightedness in choosing of Mana as the games official mascot.

 “The South Pacific Games is more than just competition. It’s about friendship, unity and economic development. Mana represents that,” he said.

The South Pacific Games Authority supports will be looking to promote more community involvement from Mana, and is looking forward to the preparations ahead. The 2007 XIII South Pacific Games in Samoa. Live the Dream!