Team Samoa comprising athletes, coaches and management officials have arrived in the Northern Marianas, Saipan for the Pacific Mini Games 2022 after two days travel.

The Government on Friday released a statement to advise of the arrival of Team Samoa in the Micronesian State which is hosting the 2022 Pacific Mini Games. 

"Team Samoa have settled in well in their home for the next two weeks and are sending their fa'afetai tele to the Government and people of Samoa for the continuous support and prayers as they carry the flag of our nation on international grounds," read the statement. 

The Samoan athletes will contest the athletics, beach volleyball, golf, tennis and weightlifting events. 

The 11th Pacific Mini Games 2022 was officially opened on Friday with the opening ceremony start 8:30p (Northern Marianas Time).

The Opening Ceremony can be watched live on the link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6TyDfqI0Rh-7_Ei53k0o5g 

On Thursday the tennis tournament kicked off with teams round robin. Weightlifting will commence next Monday with the three remaining sports of athletics, beach volleyball and golf next Tuesday. 

The Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) expressed appreciation to the Samoa Government and the various Ministries and private sector organisations that supported the team.

"S.A.S.N.O.C, on behalf of Team Samoa gives thanks to our Almighty God for leading them safely, and for all the blessings we witness from His hand. 

"We also express much appreciation to our partners and sponsors, the Government of Samoa, Samoa International Business Finance Centre, Samoa Tourism Authority, Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, and National Bank of Samoa for making it possible for Samoa to be represented in Pacific Mini Games 2022 in Saipan, through Team Samoa."

Team Samoa consists of a selection of both local and overseas based elite Samoan athletes. The athletics team comprise Donny Tuimaseve, Kelvin Masoe, Johnny Key, Kolone Peter Alefosio, William Hunt, Livingstonerick Savaiinaea, Jireh Otto Westerlund, Pesamino Iakopo assisted by coach Ah Chong Sam Chong and Manager Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt. 

Eneliko Tui and Utuva Palota will play volleyball supported by coach Mavaega Falefata while the golf players are Lio Vui and Faith Vui with their coach Garry Manua Vui. 

The tennis team comprises Leon Soonalole, Kristen Pavitt, Eleanor Schuster, Mahina Warren and Shona Pavitt as the Manager. 

The weightlifting team is coached by Tupuola Niusila Opeloge and led by Manager Tuuamaalii Hiti Opeloge with the athletes including Iuniarra Sipaia, Lesila Fiapule, Imoasina Pelenato, Tovio Ah Chong, Faustina Niusila Opeloge and Avatu Opeloge. 

The team are led by the Chef de Mission Sula Tagifano Soonalole Sam Chong, COVID officer Henrietta Aviga Merciette and Sports Massage, Kosetatino Tuionetoa.