The Apia Park Stadium was crowded yesterday, Saturday 20th May 2023, with distinguished guests, athletes, officials, volunteers, families and friends, to witness the official opening of the Samoa Games 2023.
The program started with a parade led by the famous Police Band, followed by over 500 athletes and officials representing 22 National Federations (sports).
Stake President Alema Tamala of the Nu'umau Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints opened the ceremony with a spiritual thought and word of prayer.
Honorable Seu'ula Ioane Tu'u'au, Minister of Educations Sports and Culture delivered the keynote address, and was joined by Pauga Talalelei Pauga President of SASNOC, to unveil the Samoa Games 2023 official logo.
Tofilau Avi'i Faalupega on behalf of the referees and officials, and Don Opeloge on behalf of all the athletes made declarations of fair play and fair calls throughout the Samoa Games 2023 period.
Six sports legends represented all our past, current and present athletes and officials to bear the Samoa Games flag. Matile Sitagata, Ele Opeloge, Dr. Donna Potoi, Muaausa Joseph Walter, Leuluaitumua Tapunuu Kaino Thomsen-Fuataga, and Milo Toleafoa.
Entertainments by Samoa Star Search 2022 winner Benjamin Solomona and the Autalavou EFKS Tanugamanono finished off the night.
Samoa Games 2023 has officially been opened with week long events commencing on Monday 22nd May 2023.
A schedule of events and venues will be posted on our Facebook Page and on the website www.sasnoc.com
SASNOC greatly acknowledges the Government of Samoa in particularly the Ministry of Education Sports & Culture, Ministry of Police, Samoa Sports Facilities Authority, National Federations and all our partners for making Samoa Games 2023 possible.
1/10