Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games Torch Relay underway

By Soli Wilson 24 June 2019, 3:00PM

The official launching of the torch for the 2019 XVI Pacific Games was held at the Mulivai Cathedral early Monday morning.

The torch was lit after a church service was held to officially mark the start of the 2019 Pacific Games torch relay.

The Minister of Education, Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C.) and Pacific Games Committee Chairman, Loau Keneti Sio, delivered the keynote address.

“This is the official lighting of the torch to signify the start of the Games,” he said.

“It’s a great privilege for us to have this Games here in our country and so the torch relay starts now,” he told Samoa Observer.

Loau said the torch will now travel to Salelologa where the relay will start and return to Upolu on Friday. 

Next Monday it will start its last leg which will end next Friday, July 5. 

Beijing 2008 Olympics silver medalist, Ele Opeloge, has been selected to light the torch at the official opening ceremony, added the Minister. 


M.E.S.C. Chief Executive Officer, Afamasaga Dr. Karoline Fuata’i, said the torch will also be taken to Manono-Tai Island on June 28.

“More than 900 people have been chosen to run with the torch,” she said.

The flame will remain lit throughout the two-week duration of the Pacific Games and will be extinguished at the end of the closing ceremony, added Afamasaga. 

“The torch bearers have been selected from students of primary schools, colleges, national athletes as well as sponsors of the Games.

 “I wish to acknowledge the support from the community, parents, schools and major sponsor for their support in making this torch relay a success," she said.

Loau also acknowledged the support of the schools and the villages that are in the path of the torch relay in the next two weeks.

“Their support though the extraordinary decorations of villages and schools where the torch relay of the XVI Pacific Games will journey through is deeply appreciated,” he said. 

By Soli Wilson 24 June 2019, 3:00PM
Samoa Observer

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