The island of Savai’i is preparing to host its second big event after the Miss Samoa Pageant earlier this year.
The 2019 Pacific Games Boxing Competition will be held on the island and the organising committee is counting on the public to wholly support the event.
Organising committee Chief Executive, Falefata Hele Matatia, said the decision to hold the competition in Savai’i is no accident.
“It’s about inclusiveness to ensure that Savai’i plays a leading role in the Pacific Games,” Falefata told the press conference.
“We are thankful that what is good for Upolu is should be also be good enough for Savai’i but our thinking is that what is good for Savai’i is that what is good for Savai’i is good for Samoa,” he added.
He noted that taking the boxing competition to Savai’i will provide a sense of ownership for Savai’i and will do justice to boxing legends from the big island who have contributed silently over the years.
Falefata and his committee also see the idea as business investment and using boxing as an economical factor for Savai’i as well as promote the island as a tourism destination.
“Savai’i hosting the boxing competition meets our requirements and a perfect vehicle to profile the big island.”
“For us, we have three principles as our main decision defining whether it’s cost effective, meets our time frame and sustainable,” said Falefata.
Samoa will host the 2019 Pacific Games.
Photo supplied