(ATR) The organizer of the 2019 Pacific Games expresses confidence in Samoa’s ability to stage the games in less than two years.
Samoa was given official approval to host the 2019 edition at the Pacific Games Council General Assembly in Vanuatu on Dec. 12. The PGC awarded Samoa the hosting contract in September after Tonga withdrew from its hosting responsibility in May.
Despite the hurried timeline to prepare for the event, Samoa 2019 organizers believe they have the necessary infrastructure in place to host a successful edition. Organizers will likely rely extensively on the infrastructure still available from hosting the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2015.
Although no organizing committee is currently structured for Samoa 2019, Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) officials believe everything will come together in 2018.
"We bid for these Games because we were confident we could do it based on two most important factors," said SASNOC President Patrick Fepuleai. "One, all our facilities are in place, we will not be building any new ones, just minor renovations.
"The second factor was our Government is fully behind and supported our Pacific Games Association."
The confirmation of Samoa as the 2019 hosts came as the PGC is attending the Pacific Mini Games in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The Pacific Mini Games conclude on Dec. 15 with a closing ceremony where Samoa will be given the Pacific Games flag.
The Porta Vila 2017 closing ceremony also marks the beginning of Tahiti's suspension from Pacific Games events. The PGC chose to suspend the Tahiti Nui Pacific Games Association in response to Tahiti's boycott of Porta Vila 2017 and underlying government interference during its general assembly.
The Samoa 2019 Pacific Games will take place from July 6-20 and will feature 26 sports.
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Written by Kevin Nutley
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