Ceremony kicks off Games

THE Pacific Games opened yesterday evening with a three-hour celebration of Samoan culture showcasing dance, legends and sport.
Team Papua New Guinea, led by flag-bearer and defending Pacific Games women’s tennis champion Abigail Tere-Apisah, delighted the crowd at Apia Park when the opening ceremony started at 6.30pm (Samoa time).
The ceremony was broadcast internationally.
Despite heavy rain earlier in the day, the weather remained dry in the evening, and the three-act ceremony attracted large crowds, some of whom arrived two hours before the event.
Excited athletes from the 24 competing countries opened proceedings with the parade of nations, some performing a short traditional dance, wearing traditional dress as they moved through the packed arena.
Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, gave the opening address, speaking of the “catalysing impact of sport”.
He thanked the Pacific Games Organising Committee, sponsors, volunteers, and workers who “have worked very hard over the past 14 months to make this day a success”.
“I applaud the dedication of our public service, government corporations, private sector and especially our people who have risen to the occasion,” Malielegaoi said.
“You have exceeded all expectations.” The Games were then declared open by Samoa’s head of state Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II.
Following the formalities, a dazzling display of Samoan culture featuring 3,000 student performers from 16 secondary schools was led by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture.
It culminated with the entrance of the Games torch, which has travelled around Samoa for the past two weeks, carried by schoolchildren encouraged by jubilant communities cheering, dancing and singing as it passed through their villages. Rehearsals for the ceremony began in April.
The Games begin today with 11 sports and the first medal event — open water swimming.
Rugby league nines, tennis, table tennis, football, beach volleyball, cricket, basketball, badminton, squash and lawn bowls are the other sports that begin proceedings. – gamesnewsservice