Team Samoa will be out to showcase their culture through their sports apparel at the Pacific Games in July.
The team’s uniform features the traditional ‘Malu’ tattoo.
Pacific Games Office Chief Executive Officer, Falefata Hele Matatia says the new design marks a milestone for the team’s preparation.
"For years we have always integrated the concept of male tatau (pe’a) in uniforms and it’s about time that we acknowledged women’s involvement in the development of sports in Samoa," he said.
Pacific Games Office graphics designer, Michael Peters worked with fellow graphics designer, Ben Bowles to draft samples.
They then narrowed down the designs to focus on the concept of female empowerment through the integration of culture and sports.
‘Malu’ means sheltered or protected in Samoan; the meaning of ‘malu’ also portrays the role of the mothers or females in the Samoan family.
"Traditional Samoan designs inspired me, and the bright colours found in the Samoan environment was another big inspiration as well.”
"The ‘malu’ pattern on the uniform is the exact pattern you find on traditional female tattoo on the upper leg. It represents strength, agility and speed - which all link to sport - and life in general.”
"It's a contemporary take on a classic pattern. Each design is unique to every single sport and the pattern is applied using classic sportswear design,” Peters added.
Meanwhile, Peters and Bowles are New Zealand volunteers on assignment with Volunteer Service Abroad.
Their seven-month assignment with the Pacific Games Office is aimed at sharing their knowledge with Samoans.