The XVI Pacific Games is providing a large number of young Samoans an opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience through volunteer work.

Dynalisa Epati, who was a volunteer last week in the archery competition, told the Samoa Observer that the experience was amazing for her and her peers.

She said participating in the Games volunteer programme has enabled her to gain experience and now have fond memories of the two-week regional sporting event. 

“It helps in archery to know the rules and since I’ve already been with the archery team for about a month now, I know most of them so that made things easier for me to help and do a good job," she said. 

Opposite the archery competition venue is the Faleata cricket grounds, which hosted five Pacific Island nations over six days.

There were 14 volunteers who worked as score keepers, grounds-people and first aid assistants to athletes and sports officials last week.

Cricket volunteer, Matile Uliao, says she is glad to be of service to all participating nations. 

“We’re all happy to be here and to do whatever is asked of us and for our sport and our country and as an added bonus we get to support our teams.” 

Pacific Games officials also expressed satisfaction with their work on and off the field of play. 

Joel Reti, a badminton official umpire, said that he was happy to answer the call for help from SASNOC. 

"It was both scary and exciting to start on my first day, especially since this was my very first time umpiring for such a huge event."

Reti was grateful to his fellow technical officials and volunteers, who taught him how to approach various issues. By the end of his week-long badminton journey, he had enjoyed the privilege of working with professionals and bonding with the other participating countries.

All the volunteers and officials – who were part of the sporting events last week – wished their colleagues who are working this week all the best. 

Archery, badminton and cricket all finished last week and are among 24 other sports that are being played for the Samoa Pacific Games.