The Samoan badminton team have up the ante to spread the message of the 2019 XVI Pacific Games going green – by switching to traditional Samoan coconut leaf bags to carry their water and sporting equipment.

The players were spotted at the Multi-Sport Centre in Faleata on Monday with their traditional coconut leaf bags.

Samoan badminton team manager, Tomasi Peni, told the Samoa Observer that it was an initiative to promote the greening of the Pacific Games to other participating nations. 

"We want to set an example to the Pacific Games to go green, because that was our mindset before we started – to go green and make it a green Games so probably when we go overseas next time for the Games, everything is green," he said. 

"So that's why we made the baskets instead of the usual carriers for sports so hopefully these other Pacific countries can learn from us."

Kunij RadvorJohn Aliti, who was in the crowd at the Multi-Sport Centre and observing the tournament, said he was interested in the Samoan baskets and wanted one.

"I was looking from up and observing and the baskets has gotten by attention since the morning and I took some photos already and hopefully the green Pacific Games message reaches the other countries as it has reached me today," he said.

"In Fiji, we have almost the same traditions but it is inspiring how Samoa is using these simple things to spread such an important message to the Pacific."

Samoan teams' executives are hopeful that by the end of the Pacific games, the message of a green Pacific Games will capture the attention of their Pacific Games guests, especially the athletes.