Round-the-Clock Preparations for Pacific Games

Construction workers are working round-the-clock to meet the deadline for the upcoming Pacific Games. Loau Keneti Sio, the Minister of Education Sports and Culture said they have to complete the facilities by June to allow the local athletes to familiarize themselves with the venues. He said the construction works have been going as per schedule. The cost of the facilities is being shared by the Governments of Samoa and China.

"Presently, a new multipurpose gym is under construction at Tuanaimato where the football field was. The boxing venue, which will be taken to the bigger island of Savai'i, needs some final changes at the Don Bosco hall before it is ready." The minister said the venue has the capacity to host the event but needs fans to keep the atmosphere cool.

The International Boxing Association (AIB.A) has inspected the facility and have given the nod. For tracking events, works are in progress at the Apia Park and will be ready by the time local athletes return from China.

Loau said the aquarium, tennis court and Apia Park are being renovated under the China funding. Other facilities like the Gym 1 and 2 is funded by the Samoan Government from the budget specifically allocated for the Pacific Games preparations. "The cost of the preparations for facilities and preparations is an estimate of US$17 million but at the moment, we are working on saving costs. These things are not cheap but we see it as a great exposure for us especially our tourism industry and small businesses."