A group of female sports commentators from the Pacific Islands have been making history at the Women’s World Cup, broadcasting in their native languages.

 
Adele Willie and Jennesa Hinge Moli broadcast in Bislama, a type of Creole and an official language of Vanuatu, and Lavenia Yalovi commentates in iTaukei Fijian with general coverage in Pacific English.
 
Mentored by Aaron Kearney, the women have undergone intensive training using the ex-ABC broadcaster’s training system, ‘Commentary for Good’.
 
The training was put together with sponsorship from FIFA, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and ABC International Development through a program known as Women in News and Sport.
 
Aaron says the focus of the coverage is on the New Zealand team, “We are covering NZ’s World Cup Campaign because they are the Pacific (Oceania) champions, having beaten Fiji late last year for the right to be in France.”
 
“To now have an Australian-developed idea taken on by an organisation like FIFA and showcased at the World Cup is great recognition for all involved.”

The women were recruited a year ago to undergo the training, and have been assisted by Aaron throughout the Women’s World Cup, regularly work-shopping their broadcasting skills.