The countdown to the Pacific Games 2019 is well and truly underway.

But it’s not just athletes; officials and administrators getting excited about the upcoming event, which will see thousands of visitors converge onto beautiful Samoa for more than two weeks.

Students throughout the country are also looking forward to the opportunity to do their part. And with a couple of months to go, many of them are excited to be able to contribute to the build up.

They have been helping to clean up the schools, prepare meeting places with athletes and some have even put their artistic skills to great use to decorate their school compounds.

A number of schools have been given a country to host and the theme at each school depends on their allocated country.

Yesterday, a special Committee from the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C) visited some schools to check out their preparations.

From what the Samoa Observer has been told, most of the schools are raring and ready with some only needing to add the final touches.

At Leifi’ifi College, students Temukisa Leuluaialii and Claudia Amosa, cannot wait for the event.

“I think all the preparations for our guests that are soon to arrive are worth our sweat and effort,” they said.

“We’re happy that we’ve been able to showcase our skills to decorate and prepare our school building.”

The students say they are preparing to welcome New Caledonia, one of the teams expected to dominate the medal tally.

“As everyone can see, we drew flags and other beautiful arts around our buildings to show our support for New Caledonia.

“Who knows, the New Caledonians might be interested in our drawings and some of us might get something further out of it.”

Ms. Leuluaialii said the vibes at their school has been very positive, with students and teachers doing their best to learn about New Caledonia. This includes looking into their language, culture, history and even learning some of their dances.

But it’s not just the colleges.

Primary schools are also involved.

Three students at Magiagi Primary School, Helen Ekeroma, Talaleu Hini and Melania Muaimalae, said they are honoured to be part of the Games preparations.

They are preparing for the Solomon Islands team.

“We cannot wait for them to come so we can show them what we have learnt about their language,” said Melania.

“We are looking forward to cheering for them.”