To witness young Samoan athletes stepping up to win gold, silver and bronze from the 2019 Pacific Games for our country, is a testament to Government’s long standing ultimatum to invest in our youth, says Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
As late as last night, Samoa so far has won three gold medals, two from swimming and one from archery all by young athletes.
"Bringing major international sporting events to Samoa is a long standing investment for our youth.
“These events will create new opportunities for our young gifted athletes to realize their full potentials,” says the Prime Minister. “Sports is a lucrative career associated with well-paid contracts to support families, villages and our country,” he continued.
“And it’s a bold investment by Government which is commended internationally.”
He said that Government is always mindful of the spin-offs from hosting international events and with the same token he is urging Samoa’s youth to take advantage of every opportunity not just to represent Samoa but to realize their God given talents.
“For me, my participation in the Pacific Games is more to inspire our young people to follow suit,” he said. “Very rare do you see an old chap like myself competing in sports and it’s not for fame but more to motivate and encourage the youth of Samoa,” he elaborated.
Tuilaepa is competing in his second Pacific Games this week as one of Samoa’s Archery team member.
He won a silver medal in his debut Pacific Games performance, the last time that Samoa hosted the regional event.
Photo supplied Caption; Prime MinisterTuilaepa is competing in his second Pacific Games this week as one of Samoa’s Archery competitors.