Lively Sports Parade kicks off Samoa’s 64th Independence Celebrations 

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 29 May 2026 – A lively and noisy parade of 19 local and overseas based sports bodies taking part in the 2026 Independence Games, set alight the bright spirt and atmosphere of the 64th Independence celebrations this morning.

19 sporting bodies took part in the parade that included traditional sports such as fautasi racing, Samoan cricket, alongside popular global sports like basketball, volleyball, rugby and more that kicked off today and will end with the Marist Sevens on 5 and 6 June.

High- performance athletes who represented Samoa in the past years were also part of the parade on Beach Road and ended with the opening ceremony infront of the Government Building.

Sports administrator and Minister of Revenue, Pauga Talalelei Pauga chairs the 2026 Independence Games Organising Committee, and presented the Games emblem to Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.

Sports administrator and Chair of the 2026 Independence Games Committee, Pauga Talalelei Pauga, presenting the Games Flag to Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.

The celebration featured the ceremonial raising of the Games Flag and the oath by the athletes and referees and officials.

The event also paid tribute to legendary athletes who have made a significant contribution to Samoa’s sporting history both local and overseas.

Honourees included boxing legend To’aletai David Tua, Rugby Hall of Famer, Tuliaupupu Brian Lima, former rugby player and sports administrator Tuala Matthew Vaea, Olympics Silver medalist Ele Opeloge, former boxer Apelu Ioane, Milo Toleafoa, and Masuisui Kennaway Maisa, who are long-serving icons whose achievements have inspired generations.

Legendary Athletes – Olympics Silver Medalist, weightlifter Ele Opeloge, former boxer Apelu Ioane, rugby player & sports administrator Tuala Matthew Vaea, World Rugby Hall of Famer Tuliaupupu Brian Lima, Masuisui Kennaway Maisa, legendary heavyweight boxer David Tua and Milo Toleafoa.

Reflecting on the collective effort behind Samoa’s sporting success, the Prime Minister acknowledged the crucial role of past generations.

“The work that was painstakingly and collaboratively built by our ancestors remains the foundation of not only our independence but sports today,” said Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.

He stressed that we must never forget the tautua – service and sacrifices of our forebearers.

While celebrating progress, the Prime Minister also addressed ongoing challenges within the sporting community.

“Some sports are no longer active, while others are scattered in time or engaged in conflicts,” he noted.

La’auli also reassured the government remains committed to supporting sports now and in the future.

As testimony to this commitment, the Samoa Government has established a dedicated Ministry of Sports, led by a Cabinet Minister and supported by specialized staff, ensuring that sports development receives focused attention and resources.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the local teams and overseas clubs that travelled to Samoa for the 2026 Independence Games and celebrations.

Melbourne Victoria Cricket Team Chairman, Fiaola Leafi Talatai said: “Samoa is where most of our players grew up and that is why we all feel the need to come back to compete against our local teams, support our government and be present during the 64th Independence Celebration of Samoa.”

Fiaola also advised his team while in preparation that playing cricket in Melbourne is different from playing cricket in Samoa as the heart of sport remains in where it originally came from.

“No matter how good they play in Australia, being in Samoa is different. Hopefully they gain knowledge and experience from the players from Samoa and also experience our vibrant culture and traditions,” Fiaola stated.