SAMOA TO HOST PACIFIC-AUS SPORTS HUB
By: Asenati Taugasolo Semu
Hosting the Pacific-Aus Sports Hub further highlights Samoa’s drive in the development of sports in the international level.
The launch of the hub was officiated last week where Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi reiterated on the value of sports in people’s lives.
“I am pleased to join you all from Apia for the launch of the Pacific-Aus Sports Hub which Samoa is honored to host on behalf of our Blue Pacific region. Like all other counties of the world, sports defined by our cultures and traditions, has been a central part of our lives since time immemorial,” said Tuilaepa.
“We value the importance of sport in Samoa; it aids to improve the health status of participants, increases skills development of our youth, reduces social problems and enhances community cohesion.”
Tuilaepa said sports provides the opportunities for Samoans to succeed beyond our shores – it boosts national pride when we demonstrate consistent competitiveness against teams from vastly populous and well-resourced countries.
“It is also a rewarding challenge to demonstrate regional leadership as we did to launch the Pacific Games in 2019 as short notice. For our young people it is a proven viable and successful pathway towards a better future for those that may not be able to pursue such academically.”
Tuilaepa said as the host nation, Samoa is committed to support the Pacific-Aus Sports Hub in every way possible.
“In concluding, our hopes are for the Hub to support strengthening talent development and high performance systems in Samoa and our region and future success in sport. There is no better way to celebrate the bilateral cooperation we have and the Step Up direction of Australia in the region than through this launch today.”
