Dear Editor,

With a young population of naturally gifted athletes, sports is increasingly becoming one of Samoa’s important pathways for development.

This growth has been supported by government investment in sports facilities, high performance units and the participation of our athletes in international competitions.

Local sponsorship however remains limited with donors and international partners often stepping in to provide much needed financial and in-kind support.

To ensure this donor support, local sporting bodies are expected to uphold good governance principles.

This includes the transparent and accountable use of funds, clear and effective organisational structures, regular Annual General Meetings, and clean audit reports.  

This off-field accountability and leadership is a key part of the collective effort to improve the chances for our athletes to compete overseas and secure contract opportunities for them and their families.

Samoa’s Soccer, Rugby Union, and Cricket officials are regularly invited to international governing body meetings, largely because they have consistently adhered to constitutional requirements and demonstrated sound governance, transparency, and accountability.

Lakapi Samoa’s membership of the World Rugby Council and its Audit Committee was achieved only after it demonstrated full compliance with all governance standards.

Fiji Rugby, which joined later, was subsequently dismissed due to government interference in its administration, while Tonga has yet to be admitted for similar governance issues.

Fiji was only readmitted after the Council was satisfied that such government interference had ceased.

The fact that Lakapi Samoa has never been suspended or dismissed from the World Rugby Council or its committees is testament that Samoa has met the highest standards of management, financial and operational accountability required by the world body.

Our limited corporate sponsorship and pool of players coming through our development pipeline are the realities of our small market and population.

Despite these challenges, our players continue to rise to the call and represent their nation with pride.

We will continue to support them by upholding the high governance standards of accountability and transparency.

This is the only true path to success.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Leader of HRPP