Team Samoa

Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee President Pauga Talalelei Pauga said, “Thanks to God for everything. Team Samoa has settled in well after having to go through Covid-19 testing and accreditation.’

“While in a foreign country, Team Samoa continues to give praise to the Lord through their evening devotionals.”

Pauga added that the Samoan athletes are now in training while they wait for the official opening of the Commonwealth Games tomorrow. (Samoa Time). 

The Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) says Team Samoa has been selected from local and overseas based elite athletes in seven sports - athletics, boxing, judo, rugby 7s, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling.

The men's rugby sevens team and officials will be the first to depart Samoa today followed by the rest of Team Samoa a week later.

An official send-off will be held on Monday, where the Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio will offer words of encouragement, advice and blessing.

Chef De Mission Nynette Sass joined Samoa's Ambassador to Japan, Perina Jacqueline Sila-Tualaulelei on a visit to meet with the Mayor H.E. Sato and his officials to expand on the preparations for the pre-Olympics camp prior to the opening. It was a fruitful and positive meeting.

The delegation and Samoa’s Judo team were hosted to a beautiful lunch by the mayor.

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.

The team’s uniform features the traditional ‘Malu’ tattoo.

Pacific Games Office Chief Executive Officer, Falefata Hele Matatia says the new design marks a milestone for the team’s preparation.

"For years we have always integrated the concept of male tatau (pe’a) in uniforms and it’s about time that we acknowledged women’s involvement in the development of sports in Samoa," he said.

Pacific Games Office graphics designer, Michael Peters worked with fellow graphics designer, Ben Bowles to draft samples.

The announcement was made by the Chairman of Games Organising Committee, Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio.
“Samoa 2019 is blessed to have the love and support of our people, as well as the support of our overseas counterparts towards our journey to become Games ready,” said Loau.
“Today’s announcement shows the commitment and support of Legend Sportswear and for that we are grateful.”
Legend Sportswear was established in 2004. Founded by Australian owners, Legend produces a range of apparel products and is well known for their best service and quality products.

Among the four athletes chosen is Frank Masoe, nephew of former All Black Chris Masoe and former boxer Maselino Masoe.

Frank Masoe will fight in the heavyweight division and says representing Samoa is a dream come true.

"I'm excited to represent my family and friends who are Samoan and the Samoan community here in New Zealand, Samoa and wherever."

The 22-year-old is part of the rising new generation of Samoan boxers.

Masoe is ambitious and says he wants to surpass Joseph Parker's achievements.

“Your selection to represent your country is a huge ask upon yourselves, “said the Prime Minister.

“You have proven worthy to represent our country but this is just the beginning. For those of you who are praying for divine intervention to win, praying alone for your miracle to accomplish your sports goal is not enough because the Almighty only helps those who help themselves to realize their dreams. And that’s through hard work and commitment.”

Compared to the Pacific Games with only 18 countries, the Commonwealth Youth Games brings together 54 countries.

Team Samoa has 8 competitors and 12 officials.

Minister Sio a former Manu Samoa inside back had time to talk to the athletes who will compete in weightlifting (2), athletics (2), swimming (2), and one each in sailing and judo.

The minister is confident that Samoan athletes will perform well in their respective events.

Coming to Rio 2016 is a new experience for the minister who was elected early this year.

The proud Samoan Minister says they are going back to the drawing board to rebuild from scratch.

RNZ reports Chef de Mission Auali'itia Fa'afouina Milford said with the Manu Samoa sevens team surprisingly failing to qualify for the games, medal hopes are slim for the country but he said exposing the likes of teen swimmers Evelina Afoa and Brandon Schuster to the Olympics as wild card entrants was a great thing.

"That was the aim that we did have in the past, to have this contingent this year to come up with a big number but it is really unfortunate that our rugby sevens didn't make it," Auali'itia said.