Samoa has made a bid to host the 2019 Pacific Games, but parliamentarian Olo Fiti Vaai said the country lost millions when it last held the Games in 2007.
“We did it before and it was a huge loss on the government,” Vaai said.
“What’s going to change now?”
Last week Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the country was “eager” to host the event.
He said Fiji also wanted to make a bid.
According to Radio New Zealand, the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee has been advised to start negotiations with the Pacific Games authorities.
Malielegaoi told the Samoan Observer the country had the necessary facilities, but needed to upgrade the swimming pool and Apia Park stadium.
The Samoan bid comes on the heels of the announcement by Tongan prime Minister’Akilisi Pohiva that the kingdom would not host the Games
However, Vaai questioned whether Samoa could afford the necessary expense if other changes were required to get the facilities up to international standard.
“Don’t let the ego and pride take over, making it seem like Samoa is able to host any international event,” the MP said.
He said there were no proper records of how much was spent to host the Games in 2007.
He claimed a lack of control in expenses and expenditures caused problems for the government.
In recent years Samoa had hosted the Oceania Weightlifting Championships, the Commonwealth Youth Games and the All Blacks test against Manu Samoa.
The main points
- Samoa has made a bid to host the 2019 Pacific Games, but parliamentarian Olo Fiti Vaai said the country lost millions when it last held the Games in 2007.
- Last week Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the country was “eager” to host the event.
- However, Vaai questioned whether Samoa could afford the necessary expense if other changes were required to get the facilities up to international standard.
- “Don’t let the ego and pride take over, making it seem like Samoa is able to host any international event,” the MP said.
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