American Samoa’s bid to host the Pacific Mini Games in 2029 will be reviewed by the Pacific Games Council when it meets in Palau next month.
To bolster our bid, Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga has asked the Fono for an endorsement in the way of a joint resolution.
According to the Governor, the preliminary report of the Games General Assembly indicated that American Samoa’s bid is “generally strong.”
A joint resolution in support of the territory’s bid has been approved by the House and the Senate is reviewing its own measure, Wednesday.
The resolution states that the Government of American Samoa, led by Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, has committed to making the necessary infrastructure and logistical improvements required to host the Games, including the construction of new sports facilities and upgrading of existing venues, as outlined in the official bid document submitted to the Pacific Games Council.
“The successful execution of the 2029 Pacific Mini Games will further cement American Samoa’s place as a premier host of international sports events and contribute to the ongoing growth of sports and athletic excellence with the Pacific region, especially in preparation for the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, Australia,” says the measure.
In May, the President of the Pacific Games Council, Vidya Lakhan and CEO, Andrew Minogue inspected local sports facilities and were particularly impressed with the support that was expressed for American Samoa’s bid from local government leaders. While they observed some facilities needed upgrades, they recognize that the territory has five years to get all facilities up to par.
The territory is proposing to host 12 sports: athletics, golf, tennis, netball, volleyball, basketball, weightlifting, wrestling, soccer, rugby, paddling and boxing, and five optional sports: triathlon, baseball/ judo, rowing and sailing.
Also putting up a bid for the 2029 Mini Games is the Cook Islands.
