Samoa Games 2023 highlight Sports Contribution to Samoa’s Development

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 19 MAY 2023: The Samoa Games is being revived after a 20 year absence and will kick off with the Opening Ceremony at Apia Park tomorrow evening.

Reviving the Samoa Games 2023 is in conjunction with the celebration of the 60^th anniversary of Samoa’s independence on the theme “Recognizing Sports Contribution to Samoa’s National Development”

The Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympics Committee Tuala Mathew Vaea says the objective of the revival is to celebrate the many achievements and contribution of sports to the overall development of Samoa and recognizing Samoa as a strong sporting nation.“We want to demonstrate to the people the sporting industry prowess through a dedicated week of sports activity and competition as a prelude to the official closing of the 60 anniversary,” SASNOC CEO Tuala Mathew Vaea.

The Samoa Games 2023 starts with the launch of the Samoa Games new logo then followed by the Opening Ceremony on Saturday 20 May 2023 at the Apia Park Stadium.

The program starts at 6.00pm with the Police Band leading the parade of 22 different sports before the Flag Raising ceremony.

Then the Minister for Education Sports & Culture, Seuula Ioane Tuuau will deliver the keynote address.

Seiuli Ada Urle Peteru, Sports Education Officer & SASNOC Chief Executive Officer Tuala Mathew Vaea talking to the media about the Samoa Games 2023.

The Athletes Oath will be delivered by the record breaking weightlifter Don Opeloge and the first Samoan rugby union referee, Tofilau Avi’i Faalupega then the Samoa Games Flag will be presented to the police.

The opening ceremony will close with live entertainment after closing remarks by the SASNOC President Pauga Talelei Pauga.

22 sports in the Samoa Games 2023
The individual 22 sports will run their own competitions throughout next week with medal presentations after every competition.

The Samoa Games format is similar to the Pacific Games and other international competitions, except it only caters for Samoan athletes.

Sports include: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Football, Lakapi, Rugby League, Sailing, Golf, Hockey, Netball, Shooting, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tag-Rugby, Touch Rugby, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball and Weightlifting.

The Government has donated $200,000 and free use of the sports facilities for the various competitions.