More than 40 students from Mulifanua Primary School did the Solomon Island athletes proud at the flag raising ceremony in Malae o Tiafau in Mulinuu on Friday morning.

Mulifanua Primary School adopted Solomon Islands for this Pacific Games, and the students had the chance to showcase their preparations to the delegation.

In an interview with Samoa Observer, Vice principal of Mulifanua Primary School, Misa Afaatia Vaai, said their staff and parents of the students are proud that the children learned a different culture and language. 

"We don't know when we'll ever get any chance like this again so we're making the most of it, cherishing what we have learnt about this country's culture and language and we're so proud of our students," he said.

Students spent about three months practicing the Solomon Islands language and traditions. Misa said this is a challenge their students have benefited from and they're appreciative of the initiative by the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C) and the Pacific Games committee.

One of the parents, Tauanau Nofoa, said she is excited of her daughter's participation.

"At home, she's always very sleepy and is always very grumpy but every since she has become part of the Pacific Games preparations, she started becoming a completely different child," she said.

"She started humming Solomon Islands songs, which was very interesting to hear and she now has the confidence to dance in front of anyone especially at home."

The students performed a Solomon Islands traditional dance and sang their national anthem.