The 16th edition of the Pacific Games will be officially opened in Apia this weekend, with over 3,500 athletes from across the region expected to compete in 26 sports over the next fortnight.
Samoa was only awarded the hosting rights in September 2017 after the Tongan government claimed it could not afford to stage the event.
But, as Vinnie Wylie reports, the venues are ready, the athletes have arrived and even a healthy dose of rain can't dampen local spirits.
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Photo: Facebook/ New Zealand High Commission in Samoa