22 May 2017

Sport: Samoa to bid for 2019 Pacific Games

10:07 am on 22 May 2017

Samoa intends to bid for the 2019 Pacific Games following the Tongan government's decision to withdraw as host because of financial concerns.

However, the Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, said on his weekly radio interview Fiji would also like to make a bid.

Tuila'epa said his country always stood ready to host international sporting events because of the capabilities and the quality of sporting facilities constructed for the 2007 Pacific Games.

Samoa's PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Samoa's PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi Photo: RNZI Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

In recent years Samoa had hosted the Oceania Weightlifting Championships, the Commonwealth Youth Games and the All Blacks test against Manu Samoa.

The Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, or SASNOC, has been advised to start negotiations with the Pacific Games authorities.

Manu Samoa and the All Blacks sing their respective national anthems at the stadium ahead of their rugby match in Apia

Samoa played the All Blacks in Apia in 2015. Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

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