Pacific Games 2019

Australia keen to grow Pacific Games presence

The 2019 event in Apia, which features 26 sports, is just the second time Australia and New Zealand have been invited to attend.

Australia finished sixth on the medals table in Port Moresby four years ago, with 17 gold, 19 silver and 11 bronze, despite only being invited to compete alongside New Zealand in four sports: weightlifting, taekwondo, sailing and rugby sevens.

That number has been doubled in 2019 to include athletics, beach volleyball, judo and football, while archery will also hold a separate Olympic qualifier.

Samoa 2019 announce sponsorship deal with local water company ahead of Pacific Games

Director of sponsorship Tagaloa Faafouina Su’a, confirmed Samoa Pure Water have signed an agreement to become a silver sponsor of the Games due to take place between July 7 and 20. 

Samoa Pure Water, based in the town of Vaitele on the north coast of the island, will provide water to athletes and officials at the multi-sport event.

It was also confirmed that Samoa Pure Water has signed up to support the "Greening of the Games" initiative, aimed to reduce the amount of single-use plastic being used for the Games.

Lankan weightlifting teams for Samoa

This event is named as the selection trial for the forthcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo, 2020.

In recent times, weightlifting has been Sri Lanka’s most successful sport, winning several medals for the country. At the last Asian Games in Jakarta, Sri Lanka returned home without winning a single medal.

However, at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, 2014, the solitary medal was won by weightlifter Sudesh Pieris; while at the last Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, three weightlifters won medals, including a solitary silver from Indika Dissanayake.

Samoa ready to host Pacific Games declares PGC President Lakhan after venue visit

Lakhan led a deputation to the Samoan capital of Apia to check the venues ahead of the 2019 edition of the Games.

Alongside PGC chief executive Andrew Minogue, they visited every competition venue and examined facilities at the Athletes' Village at Faleula Methodist Compound.

Samoa is due to host the Games from July 7 to 20 and Lakhan says he is satisfied the event is ready to go ahead.

He said: “I wish to personally thank the Prime Minister, the Minister for Sport and all Samoans for getting behind the hosting of the 2019 Pacific Games. 

Samoan volleyball teams turn up for competition ahead of Pacific Games

 

Hosted by the Volleyball Samoa Federation, the event started on Friday last week to ensure there are no glitches during the main games.

Accommodating ten Men’s and Women’s teams, the six day test event is currently at the Gym 2 of the Faleata Sports Complex, while final touches are being done to the venue that will be used during the Games.

Technical Delegate Dean Turner arrived in Samoa to assist the federation by observing the tournament and assist in preparing for the games.

Naydith Events Hirage supports Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games

 The announcement was made by the Chairman of the Games Organising Committee, Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio at a brief signing ceremony earlier today. 

"It gives me great pleasure to announce this wonderful partnership and support from Naydith Events Hirage, a company that is well known for its services, specialising in government and corporate events, commemorations and weddings.

Tourism fuels rebound in Samoa

The country has shaken off the impact of Cyclone Gita in February 2018, which caused extensive landslides and flooding, and its economy could grow by 4.4% in 2019-20.

The International Monetary fund has praised Samoa’s resilience after a period of setbacks, although it has pointed to continuing economic challenges.

In a report taking stock of the Pacific state’s economic conditions, the Washington-based fund said growth was projected to rebound to 3.4% in 2018-19 after falling to a five-year low due to the closure of the Yazaki manufacturing plant.

Samoa out to showcase their culture through their uniform

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.

Samoan PM to compete in Pacific Games

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi made the team after trials during the weekend, which also doubled as a test event for Samoa 2019. He represented Samoa in 2007, the last time Samoa hosted the Pacific Games, where he won a silver medal. 

James Larven, the technical delegate for archery, highlighted the participation of the prime minister in representing the country.

"Not too many sports around the world would get the prime minister involved in the Games, which is very impressive. [It is] very rare for any country to have the prime minister involved," Larven said.

Games security well planned, says Police Commissioner

As director, he ensures overall safety and security for the Games, which run from 7-20 July. 

This includes being responsible for developing and implementing security policies, protocols and procedures. He looks after the recruiting, training and supervising of police and security officers.

He firmly believes the Games will be a success.