For students being part of the Opening Ceremony is a 'blessing'
Hundreds of students all over Samoa are working hard in preparation for the Opening Ceremony of the XVI Pacific Games on Sunday 7 July.
For the those involved in one of the momentous occasions in the history of what is considered the ‘Miracle Games’ this is described as an “unexpected blessing.”
With such a short time for Samoa to organise the Games, the people have taken the challenge on board and are working hard to ensure the opening ceremony is a success.
Students from different schools and districts around Samoa are working and blending together with one another – and portraying the slogan of the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games, ‘one in spirit.’
Read more:
Rehearsals continue for the Opening Ceremony as the countdown continues
"It’s an honour and privilege to be a part of this event, due to its magnitude, as it is a regional event," said Tino Faletaligamapu, a student from the Sagaga College who is performing in the opening ceremony. "I won’t ask for more."
For the 17-year-old, to make a contribution, as Samoa prepares to host the Games, is an opportunity that he will always cherish.
"It is my time and I will carry this experience for the rest of my life. I’ll make sure my children will know how I played an important role," he said. "I’ve never been involved in such huge rehearsals, numerically, and it is a blessing, not only for me, but for my school, district and family."
With only five days before the opening ceremony, he will be performing his best and laying everything on the field at the Apia Park Stadium, the venue of the event.
Another student from the Vaimauga College, Paul Lam Sam, shared his experience with being involved with the Games.
"I didn't expect to be part of a huge group of performers, as I was only involved in youth programmes,” he said. “It’s an experience of a lifetime for me and it is indeed a pleasure to work with these group of students despite the different schools we're from."
The Ministry of Education Sports and Culture (MESC) is driving the preparations to ensure the opening ceremony will be a phenomenal performance and experience for the participants, athletes and spectators.
