Samoa is ready, says Pacific Games Council
Samoa is ready to host the Pacific Games, says the President of the Pacific Games Council during a visit to Samoa to check on preparations.
Vidhya Lakhan said host countries usually have about 5-6 years to prepare for the event, but Samoa "did not have that luxury" as original host Tonga pulled out so close to 2019.
"They have had less than 2 years to put the Games together – that’s a very short space of time. We can bank on the Samoans and when the pressure is put on them they do deliver.
"And this instance is no exception. From what we saw yesterday and from the meetings we had, we can proudly say that Samoa is ready to host the Games."
He was speaking at a press conference with PGC executive director Andrew Minogue, SASNOC President Fepulea'i Patrick Fepulea'i and Pacific Games Office CEO Falefata Hele Matatia on 31 May, which is 37 days before the Opening Ceremony on 7 July.
Photo: President Lakhan (second right) visited Samoa with Andrew Minogue (right).
Mr Lakhan mentioned the flags and decorations he had seen at schools between the airport and Apia, saying that it showed that the "people of Samoa are ready to welcome the delegations."
"All the signs are there that we will have an excellent Games. I’m sure all the delegations will be comfortable, will be safe, will have excellent competition."
Mr Minogue added his support for the "extraordinary job" Samoa had done.
"One month before the Games, the president and I can say confidently to… the people of [Samoa] and the wider Pacific sporting family that Samoa is ready to host the Games – and we are delighted to be able to say that."
He confirmed that all 24 countries would be sending teams, and said the "vast majority of sports had excellent entry numbers."
"These Games are very well supported by the Pacific region. And that is testament to the organisation… here, because countries, when they feel like there is some doubt around the success of the Games will start pulling back in terms of their numbers and their commitment. We have not seen that here. The numbers are very strong."
He thanked the Methodist Church for making its Faleula Compound available as the Games Village, and the Samoan Government for supporting the organising committee.
"The contribution of the Prime Minister and Cabinet… has been outstanding. We feel that the government is not standing in the way of these Games to be a success in any way possible. That is a fantastic result."
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