Sponsorship target of $9 million tala reached

The Pacific Games Office has reached the sponsorship target of $9 million tala set by the Government of Samoa for the XVI Pacific Games.

In total, 21 sponsors have come on board in just over five months – with Official Sponsor Digicel signing up as the first sponsor in late December 2018.

With 30 days to go until the Opening Ceremony, Director of Sponsorship Tagaloa Faafouina Su'a said: "We have reached our target through faith - never thought this would have been achieved without God’s guidance.

"It was a massive challenge from the outset. Praise God! Nehemiah built the walls of Jerusalem in only 52 days. We have only prepared these Games within 12 months and against all odds we have done it.

"Our sponsors, our partners, our staff, our people, our country, our Games…Samoa we on!"

Sponsors have contributed both funds and in kind sponsorship of services that have helped the Games comes together. This involves everything from printing accreditation passes for thousands of athletes, officials, staff and volunteers, to transporting people and equipment to Savai’i for the boxing event.

More sponsors are expected to come on board in the coming weeks.