Savai'i puts on colourful display for day 2 of Torch Relay
Savai'i villagers from Saleaula to Vaisala decorated their streets with colourful materials and ran with pride behind the torch bearer as day two of the torch relay for the Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games was held.
Today in Savai’i has been a fruitful experience for the students as they carried the baton, while many not chosen to be torch bearers ran alongside just to get close to this memorable experience.
The event was livestreamed on Facebook.
Some of the schools wore the traditional clothing of the country they have adopted, such as Safotu Primary School and Aotearoa/New Zealand.
The in-school programme, led by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, has helped the students to be aware of the different languages and traditional wear of the competing nations.
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It was a different atmosphere for the villages from Saleaula all the way to Vaisala. More than fifteen cars queued behind the torch with their emergency lights blinking and following the torch. Vehicles from sedans to pick-up trucks and delivery trucks had the crowd standing behind and holding the flags of the different nations coming to Samoa for the Games.
The excitement for the Games has been portrayed by the effort that has been invested in making sure the torch will not pass by without a ‘shout of joy.’
According to the Torch Relay Coordinator, Tafaese Spencer Tautu, day two of the torch relay has left him astounded by the people of Savai’i.
“The people have given their best performance as the torch went pass, showing their support and excitement as we prepare to host. It’s been a challenge organising everything, but seeing the people today, it reminds us of why we do what we do,” he said.
“I saw elderly parents sitting inside their open Samoan houses, they were cheering us on. These people are our prayer warriors, keeping the Games in their prayers and blessing us as we are coming near to the Opening Ceremony on 7 July.”
The Torch Relay continues on 26 and 27 June in Savai'i before crossing to Upolu.
