The fifth day of the torch relay was a milestone for Manono Island
The fifth leg of the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games torch relay made history as the Games torch baton journeyed to Manono Tai Island for the first time.
This is the third time Samoa has hosted the Games and this was an important milestone for both the organising committee and the people of Manono Tai Island.
Many showed up at the Faleu Wharf on the island to witness the arrival of the torch on shore.
The organising committee of the torch relay travelled across by boat to see the preparations on Manono Tai and enjoy the celebrations.
The torch bearers were joined by people of the community for the two hour walk around the whole island.
They were very excited to see the torch arrive, chanting cheers and dancing. The people had decorated a pathway for the torch to travel around the entire island.
There are more great photos from today on Facebook.
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The fifth day of the torch relay started and ended on Upolu - from the village of Falelatai to Leulumoega. Today was a phenomenal experience for the students that stood alongside the road and cheered as the torch passes by.
The Samoan Head of State or O le Ao o le Malo, Tuimalealiifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II, and his wife, Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano, also gave their blessings to the torch as Samoa prepares to host the XVI Pacific Games.
The immense support of the community was shown by the flags hanging on the side of the roads, decorating their homes and their neat and tidy compounds.
The response of the torch bearers when they were asked about how they felt running with the torch, was “I feel so happy.”
Most of the people stood alongside and waved as the torch travelled through the different villages.
The torch baton was also taken around the Faleolo International Airport by members of the Samoa Airport Authority, a silver sponsor of the Games. This is also the first time the torch baton for the Pacific Games has travelled around the entire Faleolo International Airport.
The was the first day of the torch relay on Upolu, after four successful days on Savai’i.
The relay continues its circumnavigation of Upolu next week as the countdown to the Opening Ceremony, at Apia Park on Sunday 7 July, continues.
