“We’re grateful to Samoa”

22 October 2018, 12:00AM

The Pacific Games Council has nothing but praises for government and the people of Samoa for their support behind the country’s preparations for the 2019 Pacific Games in Apia next July.

At the end of a follow up visit to check on Samoa’s preparation progress, Pacific Games Council Chief Executive, Andrew Minogue, reassured the local media that Samoa is on track with her preparations for the Games.

“Yes from our perspective we are satisfied with Samoa’s preparation we believe is on track,” said Minogue.

“You have to understand from where we were when Tonga pulled out as the host Samoa has stepped in and provided great support by taking on hosting responsibilities.”

“We are very thankful to the government and people of Samoa for their great support and for wanting to bring the Games back under these challenging circumstances. It is still a long way to go but the signs are good.”

From sports facilities and infrastructures, to registration of athletes, scheduling, transportation and accommodation to name a few of the logistics under the microscope since Samoa took over the hosting rights less than a year, Monique praised the meticulous preparations headed by CEO Falefata Hele Matatia and his advocates.

Over 4,000 officials and athletes including delegations from New Zealand and Australia which will be competing in the Pacific Games for the second time will be hosted by Samoa from July 8th to the 20th during the two week sporting extravaganza. 

And everyone will play a very important role with the Pacific Games Executive Secretary calling on the media for their support through engagement and profiling Samoa’s preparations.

“I think you will realise that, the Games is good for the country, good for the people as well as supporting families here. I look forward to your continued support because I am very confident that the team stage one of the best ever Pacific Games that your country can be proud of.”

This Monuique’s third visit to the country since Samoa was granted hosting rights and he confesses that from the progress made so far, Samoa will be more than ready to host the 2019 Games.

Organizing Committee: 

These are the 14 work streams that make up the Organizing Committee and they are the team of Directors who will oversee key areas of the Games from catering, to transport and accommodation.  

The Pacific Games Office Act 2018 identifies the key public servants who hold Director roles within the Organizing Committee.  It also includes members of the private sector to provide good coverage for all key areas.  The organizing committee meet every fortnight to share developments within each of these key areas. 


The Pacific Games Organising Committee: 

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi – Games Convenor 

Minister of Education, Loau Keneti Sio – Chairperson 

President of S.A.S..N.O.C, Fepulea’i Patrick Fepulea’i – Vice Chairperson 

Falefata Hele Matatia – Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Games Office.  

Afamasaga Karoline Fonoti – Director of Ceremonies 

Agafili Shem Leo – Director of Government Services 

Fanene Samau Etuale Sefo – Director of Transport 

Fuiavailili Egon Keil – Director of Security 

Lavea Iulai Lavea – Director of Finance 

Leausa Dr. Take Naseri – Director of Medical Services 

Lemalu Hermann Retzlaff – Director of Legal Services 

Lepale Niko Palamo – Director of Sports Operations 

Masoe Norman Wetzell – Director of Catering 

Matatamali’i Sonja Hunter – Director of Accommodation 

Moefa’auo Salale Moananu – Director of Sports Venues and Equipment 

Su’a Fa’afouina Su’a – Director of Sponsorship 

Su’a Poumulinuku Onesemo  - Director of Athletes Village 

Tupa’i Klaus Stunzner – Director of Branding and Communications 

 

The Pacific Games Office continues to be the key focal point for all matters relating to PG 2019.  They continue to work alongside the Directors to ensure a successful Pacific Games next year. 

The 16th Pacific Games will be held in Samoa from 7th – 20th of July 2019. It is the third time the event has been hosted by Samoa, with 2007 being the most recent and 1983 the first. 

 

SPORTS & VENUES 

 

Archery – Faleata Sports Field

Athletics – Apia Park Stadium

Badminton – Multi-sport Centre

Basketball 5×5 – Gym 2 at Faleata

Basketball 3×3 – Gym 2 Faleata

Beach Volleyball – Apia Waterfront

Boxing – Don Bosco – Savaii

Cricket – Cricket Oval, Faleata

Football – Football fields, Faleata.

Golf – Fagalii/Faleata Golf courses

Judo – Gym 2, Faleata

Lawn Bowls – Lawn Bowls Greens, Faleata.

Netball – Multisports Centre.

Powerlifting – Harvest Centre, Faleata

Rugby 7’s – Apia Park Stadium

Rugby League 9’s – Apia Park Stadium

Sailing –  Mulinu’u Peninsula.

Shooting – Tafa’igata Shooting Range.

Squash – Squash Courts, Faleata.

Swimming – Aquatic Centre Faleata

Open Water Swimming –  Faleasi’u.

Table Tennis – Harvest Centre, Faleata.

Taekwando –  Gym 2, Faleata.

Tennis –  Tennis Courts, Apia Park.

Touch Rugby – Faleata Sports Field.

Triathlon –  Sogi Recreational Park.

Va’a (Sailing) – Mulinu’u Peninsula.

Volleyball –  NUS Gym.

Weightlifting – Gym 2, Faleata.

Opening & Closing Ceremonies  – Apia Park Stadium

 

22 October 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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