A new grant funding from China to upgrade two sporting facilities in Apia will boost Samoa’s bid to host the 2019 Pacific Games.
The grant funding endorsed by the People’s Republic of China will finance the maintenance and revitalization of the Olympic swimming pool, Aquatic Centre at Tu’anaimato and the Apia Park Sports Complex.
Signed by China’s Ambassador to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi in Apia this week, the assistance provides leverage for Samoa to host future international and regional games in Apia.
“As always, the Government of Samoa remains indebted to the People’s Republic of China for their continued generosity and trust in our government and the people of Samoa,” said Tuilaepa.
“The grant funding will do more than upgrade the Aquatic Centre and the Apia Park Sports Complex. It will also retain Samoa’s international profile that we still have the best in sports facilities and we are more than prepared and ready to host any international sporting event.”
“We have passed the ultimate test with flying colours after the successful Commonwealth Youth Games in Apia in 2015. Over 3 thousand athletes from 54 countries competed in the Commonwealth Youth Games. And today it is still hailed as one of the most successful international sporting event to be hosted by Pacific Island country including New Zealand and Australia,” he added.
“The spin-offs from bringing the Games home are astronomical in terms of revenues for our hotels and accommodation industries, the tourism operators, our subsistence farmers, taxies and the public transport industry not to mention the handicrafts makers and most importantly reinstating our tourism profile and reassuring business investors that Samoan remains a safe haven to invest in.
“I remain confident that with our sporting facilities up to par coupled with our Samoan patriotism as hospitable host the faaSamoa way, we can host any international games at moment’s notice.”
Samoa last hosted the Pacific Games in 2007.
The prime minister has indicated that Samoa will bid to host the Pacific Games in 2019 after Tonga withdrew.
Photo by Govt of Samoa