Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa was unsuccessful in its bid to host the 2029 Pacific Mini Games, losing out in a 12-9 vote to the Cook Islands.

The two final bidders were shortlisted from several countries and territories that had submitted bids when the initial bidding process started in November 2023. The final vote was conducted at the Pacific Games Council Assembly held in Palau last week.

Before the vote, representatives from American Samoa and the Cook Islands were given 30 minutes each to present their respective proposals.

According to James L. McGuire, Special Assistant to the Senate President, American Samoa delivered an emotional, informative, factual, and well-prepared presentation. The presentation involved several members of their delegation, a PowerPoint presentation, and even a short video clip.

The presentation began with Senator Olo Uluao Letuli, dressed in traditional oratorical attire, and included holding the to’oto’o (orator’s staff) and fue (whisk made of coconut sennit), delivering an emotional introduction.

Following this, the President of the American Samoa National Olympic Committee (ASNOC), Tuia’ana Ed Imo, addressed the gathering.

Subsequently, senior government officials spoke on the various factors involved in hosting an international sports event of this magnitude from their respective departments and agencies’ perspectives.

American Samoa Visitors Bureau Director Taimalelagi Minnie Tuia, Department of Commerce Director Petti Matila, and Attorney General Fainu’ulelei Falefatu Alailima-Utu highlighted the socio-economic benefits the Games would bring to the Territory using a PowerPoint presentation and a video clip.

Their 30-minute presentation culminated in a speech by Lt. Governor La’apui E.V. Ale, who emphasized the need for countries and territories in the Pacific region to work together to develop their sportspeople. He pointed out the positive impact the Mini Games would have on aspiring young athletes in American Samoa and reiterated the government’s full support.

According to McGuire, it was a well-prepared and a well-delivered presentation, especially compared to the Cook Islands’ presentation, which was delivered by just three officials.

However, it appeared that the Cook Islands delegation had already garnered support by campaigning with other Pacific nations and territories that, like them, are members of the Commonwealth. Consequently, the Cook Islands won in a 12-9 vote.

The first and only time American Samoa hosted the Pacific Games was in 1997. On the other hand, the Cook Islands now becomes the first country to host the event three times, having previously hosted the Games in 1985 and 2009, and now again in 2029.

American Samoa’s delegation, comprising 15 government officials, arrives back tonight.