sports

Pacific pathway for sport a discussion point in PFL conference.

The conference included discussions across a range of topics around culture, health, education and sports.

PMN News reports Tall Blacks Coach Pero Cameron says the Pacific talent pool is large but needs to be nurtured.

​“It’s just exciting to be a part of this movement, it’s the first time having a sporting panel," he says. 

“They’ve asked to see how we can generate ideas and create bigger pathways for our talented kids.”

Today's panels included a focus on how important it is to create Pacific pathways in sport. 

Call for expansion of Samoa's financial incentive

TV1Samoa reports Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork made the call after Team Samoa returned this week from the Pacific Mini Games in Saipan.

The weightlifters returned with six gold and three silver taking the Team Samoa tally to 21, with eight golds, five silver, and eight bronze medals.

The previous government had introduced financial incentives for sports people to win gold at the Commonwealth and Olympics Games.

The scheme is still in place but Tuaopepe would like to see it made available to regional competitions as well.

Volunteer staff leave behind a big hole in Pacific sport

Cricketers in Papua New Guinea and Fijian footballers were among a host of sportspeople forced to train in isolation or small groups, in an effort to maintain social distancing.

But dozens of key support staff that help Pacific Island sporting organisations operate were also told to head home - back to Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian Volunteers program repatriated 450 people working across the Indo-Pacific region, of which a significant number were based in the Pacific Islands working with local and national sporting federations.

Samoa Police congratulates its sporting heroes

The officers represented Samoa in the sports of Badminton, Rugby League, Touch Rugby, Tennis, Soccer and assistant coach for the women’s volleyball team.

Their overall performances by winning silver and bronze medals in their respective sports is an illustration of their commitment, dedication and hard work.

SPS has invested in these officers by allowing them to compete and fully focus on their trainings and preparations leading up to the games.

 

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Pacific Women's Sport Leadership Program launches

The Program is a joint initiative by Cricket Australia, Netball Australia and the International Cricket Council, funded through the Australian Government's Pacific Sports Partnerships Innovation Funding.

It brings together female leaders from across the sports sector from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Samoa, Vanuatu and Tonga.

Twenty women representing 13 different sporting organisations will spend the week developing their leadership skills through sport, to directly impact on the lives of young women and girls in their communities.

Manu Samoa hoping new caps will pay off long-term

Samoa ended their Northern Tour last weekend with a 25-23 victory over Canada - just their second win in six tests this season.

RNZ reports the Manu were thrashed 52-8 by France in their tour opener before a narrow 20-16 defeat in Georgia.

Namulauulu gave 16 players their first tests caps this year and says with an ageing squad it was a risk that had to be taken.

"It's important we blood players with the experience we still have so that the learning is there and they can help develop the young players," he said.

World Rugby announces record revenues and investment in the global game

The consolidated financial results for the fourth year of World Rugby's 2013-16 business cycle saw the highest turnover in World Rugby's history and record rugby investment as rugby participation topped a record 7.73 million, almost double the figure at the start of the cycle.

The results demonstrate a higher than anticipated revenue of nearly £345 million.

The growth in revenues reflects improved broadcast and sponsorship markets for RWC 2015 and a higher tournament fee from the RFU. 

NZ Pacific youth award winners give back to community

Nine awards were presented in a ceremony in Parliament by the Prime Minister John Key to recognise excellence in commerce, the arts, sports, community and leadership.

The recipient of the Sports and Fitness award, 17-year-old Ayesha Leti-I'iga is a New Zealand born Samoan and has played rugby for several New Zealand national teams.

She credits her success to her family and performs a special ritual before each game to honour her mother who died seven years ago.

"They have the same rights as us, so they will participate," Chairman of Special Olympics Samoa.

"Our goal is not to try and beat best in the world in sports or to create the best minds, but everyone has a right to participate, and that is what this organisation is about," said Chairman Letaa Daniel Devoe.

Busy year ahead for SASNOC and Oceania Institute of Sports

SASNOC's chief executive officer, Faamausili Taiva Ah Young says the first phase is providing training in eight areas.