The opening ceremony of the Pacific Games was spectacular. And with the benchmark set so high, students have been rehearsing even harder to ensure the Games closing ceremony ends with a bang.

While athletes and teams have been vying for the remaining medals in their respective sports, more than a thousand students have been rehearsing under the hot sun – and sometimes rain – at Samoa College to prepare for the closing ceremony on Friday.

The rehearsals are being conducted under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture and the choreographers.

The schools participating are Leifiifi College, Samoa College, Vaimauga College, Aleipata College, St. Joseph’s College, St. Mary’s College, Maluafou College and Papauta College.

The closing ceremony sees the return of students pulled out by the C.C.C.S Church due to the opening ceremony being held on a Sunday.

Among them are Alema Soonafai and Gloria Vaaiga, who said they have been looking forward to the opportunity to be part of the Pacific Games closing ceremony.

"We never gave up hope,” Gloria said.

“We heard that we might be in the closing ceremony if it's on Saturday so we've been praying and now they've been answered I guess.

"So being under the sun is not a thing compared to how happy and keen we are for the second chance.

“Hopefully it won't rain again and whatever weather conditions, this will always be a memorable moment for us."

Alema said it's a bit challenging because some of the students are missing and they have spent a few hours trying to fill the missing spots.

"We thought we couldn't make it but the mood was just so exciting so we were up for anything," she added.

The closing ceremony will held at Apia Park on Saturday evening.