
While senators have endorsed a resolution that the Lemanu administration requested to support American Samoa’s bid to host the Pacific Mini Games in 2029, they have asked for the proposed budget that will be committed for the Games and the bid proposal that was submitted to the Pacific Games Council.
President of the American Samoa National Olympic Committee Tuiaana Ed Imo, Secretary General Ethan Lake, Parks and Recreation Director Ken Tupua and the Governor’s Chief of Staff Loa Tuimavave Laupola appeared before a Senate hearing Thursday on the resolution.
Senator Muagututia Tauoa asked at the start of the hearing how much it would cost to host the Games. Loa said the government has prepared sports fields and gymnasiums, plus the new soccer fields. He said, “We have five years to prepare for the games and closer to 2029, we will return ask for financial assistance for hosting the Games.”
Senator Togiola Tulafono, who chaired American Samoa’s hosting of the 1997 Mini Pacific Games, was adamant that before they approve the resolution, they should know the cost that the government has committed to in hosting the Games, and also how this would be funded.
He said he didn’t want a repeat of what happened in 1997. He and Governor Tauese came into office in January of that year, and there was a visit from the Pacific Games Council to inspect local sport facilities. This after American Samoa was picked as host, but after five years, “There was no stadium, no sports facilities.” Togiola said they had just six months to build facilities and make preparations to host the Games. “In fact on the morning of the opening, we were still completing the roof to the stadium,” he said.
He told the ASG and ASNOC officials that they should have presented a budget, and also the bid proposal that was given to the Pacific Games Council. Togiola also made a comment about ASNOC sports delegations to regional and international events having many more officials, and just one or two athletes.
According to Loa, the resolution would help strengthen American Samoa’s bid, before the final selection is made by the Pacific Games Council. The Council is meeting in Palau next month. Loa said as of now we are on equal footing with the Cook Islands.
When asked if the ASNOC can provide funding assistance, ASNOC President Imo said that ASNOC receives $125,000 from the International Olympic Committee, but this funding is for training athletes. But, he said, if we win the bid to host the Games, ASNOC can apply for IOC grants for infrastructure.
Senator Satele Lili’o asked how ASNOC plans to prepare local athletes for the Games.
Secretary General Lake explained that one of the challenges for sport associations is lack of facilities.
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Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean said there have been so many complaints from the public about ASNOC. He said in all his years as a lawmaker, ASNOC has never provided any reports on how it spends funding. He said people have also complained about the selection of their officers. Tuaolo also echoed Togiola’s comment that when they travel they take many more officials and just a few athletes. He told the ASNOC President, “You should fix these problems.”
When it was time for a vote on the resolution, Senator Malaepule Saite Moliga recommended they wait until the budget and the bid proposal are submitted, because it would be like voting in the dark not knowing what the government is committing to.
Senator Togiola Tulafono agreed with Malaepule and suggested they delay the vote until the next day after receiving the requested reports. But Senate President Tuaolo called the vote and the resolution was approved by a vote of 7-4.