2019 Pacific Games

Samoa PM Tuilaepa eyes Pacific Games gold medal

But first things first.

He realises that he has to earn a spot in the Samoa Archery Team to compete in the Games, first.

“I am not a walk in,” he said during practise Saturday afternoon at his residence. “There is no preferential treatment here and I am treated like any other competitor.

“Earning the right to represent your country at any international sporting event is the highest honour that any person can ask for. And I will make the final cut to compete in the Pacific Games on my own steam power.”

Handover of Pacific Games vehicles, fireworks and equipment to Samoa Government

Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi received the donation at a ceremony Friday.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Samoa, I wish to thank the Government and people of China for the tremendous support and assistance that demystify the nuances of Samoa hosting a miracle game. May we continue to collaborate in the spirit of mutual trust, respect for each other’s sovereignty and a better appreciation of our differences,” Tuilaepa said.

Samoa Pacific Games Office defends awarding of contracts

The Journalists' Association of Samoa and TV1 Samoa have this week hit out at the appointment of an overseas company as host broadcaster.

It comes after the Pacific Games Office on Sunday said the Singapore-based Melanesia Media Group had the contract.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Office said two offshore companies and one local company were approached to bid.

It did not name the local company but TV1 Samoa told local media on Tuesday that it was asked to make a proposal but only given three days.

Hotels to house Pacific Games boxers

CEO of the Games Organising Committee Falefata Hele Matatia told Newsline Samoa that Jet Over Hotel, Lucia Chalets, Savai'ian Hotel and Rosalote Hotel have been chosen for their close proximity to the boxing venue at Salelologa.

Boxing is one of 26 sports being contested in Samoa and will be held at the Catholic Church run Don Bosco School.

"When the request was put to us by government our school embraced it, it is our contribution to the government efforts in hosting the Games," said Principal of the college Father Nuku Tevita in a telephone interview with the newspaper.

NZ mindful of Samoan culture at Pacific Games

Four years after making their Pacific Games debut alongside Australia in Port Moresby, New Zealand will be increasing its presence at this year's event, competing in seven sports in Apia in July.

Four years ago, New Zealand athletes only contended weightlifting and taekwondo.

Team New Zealand Chef de Mission Kristy Hill said they were excited to be invited to compete once again alongside their Pacific Island neighbours.

Samoa to use auxiliary police during Pacific Games

Newsline Samoa reports Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil confirmed the temporary measure to dilute the heavy workload of security for athletes, officials and spectators that is expected to be faced by the 700 local regular force.

He said more police officers will be needed to cater for the many sporting venues.

Fuiavailili said no police officers will be on leave at this time.

"They will all be working during the Games."

He said they were already seeking to use teachers from the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture as auxiliary officers.

 

Adopt-a-country is part of Samoa 2019 Pacific Games schools programme

Schools in Samoa from primary level to high schools have adopted a country from the 24 nations participating in the Games.

There’s also a competition for schools with three categories.

The first is for the school environment that best depicts the spirit of the Pacific Games or the Greening of the Games, making them environmentally more sustainable. The second category is for the best cheers in support of the adopted country. The final category is for poster design.

Samoa 2019 sponsorship director labels event the "Miracle Games"

A group of 11 sponsors have signed agreements with the Pacific Games due to take place between July 7 and 30 in Apia. 

The sponsors come from the private and public sectors, as well as state-owned organisations.

Digicel Samoa, Commercial Bank, Samoa Shipping Corporation and No 1 Currency are among the sponsors.

The portfolio also includes McDonald’s, Apia Insurance, Samoa Stationery and Books, the Samoa Ports Authority, the Electric Power Corporation, SkyEye and Accident Compensation Corporation.

Samoa 2019 chief executive aims to make history at Pacific Games

The Games are due to take place between July 7 and 20 but the country was only confirmed as host in December 2017.

Apia stepped in following the withdrawal of Tonga who cited financial concerns.

It means Samoan organisers have had a shorter time than usual to prepare for the quadrennial event.

"Friday marks 100 days until the Opening Ceremony of the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games, and to say that it has been a hectic year of preparations would be an understatement," said Matatia.

2019 Pacific Games Village impresses

Christophe Dabin is the General Secretary of the National French and Sporting Olympic Committee (CNOSF) of New Caledonia and knows this well.

He also understands the value of his team staying together in the Games Village at the Methodist Church Compound at Faleula at the XVI Pacific Games in July.

Any team who stays together, will win together,” he says.

This was also the philosophy of the Pacific Games Office in choosing the location and bringing the Games slogan, One in Spirit, into reality.