Organisers of the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa say preparations are on schedule with just over a year to go.
Samoa was awarded the games in September last year after Tonga pulled out, saying it could not afford to host them.
The Pacific Games Council will hold its Annual General Meeting in Apia this weekend, where members will receive an update on how Samoa is progressing.
From left to right, President of the Pacific Games Council Vidhya Lakhan, Samoa's prime minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, and SASNOC President Patrick Fepuleai. Photo: Pacific Games Council
Chief Executive of the Pacific Games Office, Falefata Hele Matatia, says the country is ecstatic to be hosting the Games and has met every deadline required of them.
"That's probably one of our strongest assets in winning the Pacific Games is that most of the venues are ready to go and so it's just a few minor refurbishment we have to do but the majority of the venues are still at a first class care of the government so we're pretty much, as the Pacific Games Council has rightly pointed (out), we would be ready even if we had it at the end of the year."
Apia will host the 2019 Pacific Games. Photo: RNZI/Sally Round
Over 4,000 athletes and officials expected to arrive in Apia next year, with 27 different sports on the competition schedule.
Samoa's Minister for Sports and Chair of the Games Organising Committee, Loau Keneti Sio, said Samoa has proven time and again it is capable of hosting large-scale sporting events.
"Our people are our strength and our hospitality is legendary," he said.
"The opportunity to host this peak sporting event here in our country is the catalyst we need to re-energise our athletes and sports bodies.
"Our Pacific Games Office and Games Organising Committee have been working hard over the past three months to make sure athletes and officials from Samoa and around the Pacific have what they need to shine."
Falefata Hele Matatia says China has agreed to assist with some of the venue upgrades and will also help in providing sporting equipment for training and competition.
He says while they are tracking ahead of schedule for next July, the short time-frame means there's little room for error and need all parties to work together.
"I think time is our challenge at the moment and also just making sure we tick every box in terms of the main pillars of what we need to drive in terms of our preparations. So far we are working collaboratively with our government, with our business sector in making sure that we get the Games well sorted before next year."
The presentation to Pacific Games Council members will conclude with a tour of the venues.