2019 Pacific Games

Samoa celebrate double gold medal wins

The 21-year-old Schuster took a closely fought victory in the men's 200 metres backstroke to make history before Lane followed with gold in the same discipline in the women's race straight after.

Schuster, a silver and bronze medallist at Port Moresby 2015, exclusively told insidethegames that training in China and the United States has made a huge difference for him - but that he felt more patriotic and Samoan than ever before following his win.

XVI Pacific Games; An investment for Samoa’s Youth, says PM Tuilaepa

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.”

Ex-All Black makes Samoan cricket debut at Pacific Games

He played during a rain-delayed first competition day of the Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games, on the water-logged Cricket Oval, Faleata Sports Complex.

But the rain did not dampen his excitement, having wanted to play for Samoa for years, Aiolupotea said: “This is huge for me.”

Aged 49 and father to seven children, he said he would like to continue “as long as I can contribute to the team".

Samoan coach Tim Carter said: “The team had lacked a strong wicket keeper and (Aiolupotea) Ofisa has really strengthened the team by filling this essential role.”

Samoa PM competes at Pacific Games

Tuilaepa is one of 15 archers in Team Samoa.

According to a report on Inside the Games, Tuilaepa scored 163 points including one bullseye at the end of the first round.

Tuilaepa is a Pacific Games bronze medalist in 2007.

Cecile Reuillard of New Caledonia leads the women's compound with 332 points, from Fiji's Lisa Noreen Leota on 304.

Two Australian women top the women's recurve standings,  Alice Ingley on 309 from Deonne Bridger on 301.

Rain frustrates tennis and cricket

The weather dampened the impressive start when Vanuatu men’s cricket team bowled the less experienced New Caledonia team out for 23 runs.

Vanuatu quickly passed this total to finish the match, following a rain delay.

Papua New Guinea then commenced their innings chasing Samoa’s 84 runs.

They struggled to complete the first round match due to persistent showers which meant the overs were reduced to 15.

PNG begin defence of men’s beach volleyball gold

On the new courts at Apia Waterfront, PNG won the first set 21-17 and the second 21-7, playing with a new line-up of Richard Batari and Loi Walo, in place of Port Moresby 2015 Pacific Games gold medalists Richard Kilarupa and Mea Moha.

Day one of competition saw six games played in the men’s competition in front of a capacity crowd at the free event.

Cheered on by packed crowds, Samoa won the first set 25-23, Tahiti took the second 21-12, and Samoan claimed the last set 15-11.

3-hour celebration

The Opening Ceremony at Apia Park Stadium in Samoa's capital city was broadcast internationally, and was the first Pacific Games opening event to take place on a Sunday.

Despite heavy rain earlier in the day, the weather remained dry for the evening, and the three-act ceremony attracted large crowds, some of whom arrived two hours before the event.

Excited athletes from the 24 competing countries opened proceedings with the parade of nations, some performing a short traditional dance, wearing traditional dress as they moved through the packed arena.

Key players to watch in the Men's Division of the 2019 Pacific Games

Today, all of the brightest stars in the Pacific take center stage in a bid to fly their respective flags high in this prestigious quadrennial basketball showpiece.

So here are the top players to watch from eight different teams set to slug it out for the Pacific Games crown:

TAI WESLEY (GUAM)

Tai Wesley is Guam’s most decorated player, having stops in different ranks and leagues in the world.

Final flag rising ceremonies delight Team Samoa and visitors

Faatamalii Jenny Lauano, assistant CEO of Samoa’s Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, welcomed all participating athletes, officials and schools who were part of the event.

“Each of the schools participating in today’s ceremony have adopted a country to represent during our flag raising ceremony,” she told the team delegations. “They have learnt your respective culture, your languages and your traditional dances as tribute to all our wonderful countries participating in the Games.”

Family of sponsors carry torch on last day of relay

‘One in Spirit’ is the slogan of the Games. The engagement of the people with the torch relay has demonstrated that with no stone unturned for what is now called the ‘Miracle Games.’

Today was  the eleventh and last day of the torch relay, which is supported by the platinum sponsor of the Games, Samoa Commercial Bank. 

On Sunday evening the touch will light up the cauldron for the at the Opening Ceremony at Apia Park Stadium.