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Two Samoas join to jump start new “Polynesian Games”

American Samoa and Samoa are leading the way in the formation and re-establishment of the Polynesian Games Association, with the Polynesian Games — involving Polynesian island countries and territories — to be held two years from now.

 

American Samoa National Olympic Committee (ASNOC) is heading up the territory’s effort and ASNOC president J. Victor Langkilde explained that a meeting took place this year between the Polynesian Island Nations regarding a revival of the Polynesian Games.

 

He told Samoa News that American Samoa and Samoa led the meeting in drafting a "letter of expression" to begin formation of a Polynesian Games Association which will lead to the Polynesian Games, which are being targeted for 2016.

 

Langkilde said a follow up meeting will take place in July this year in Papua, New Guinea during the Pacific Games Council gathering. “There should be a final decision with the formation of the association and decision on the Polynesian Games,” he said.

 

He also said that last month, “We had National Championships for many of our sports” and this was the first year American Samoa organized National Games.

 

“The games will grow stronger and better each year with the help of ASG,” he said and noted that ASNOC would like to see as much competition — locally, regionally, and internationally — to promote sport development, games competition, and athlete development.

 

“Everything with sports development starts on the home-front,” he told Samoa News.

 

Langkilde further pointed out that July next year will be the Pacific Games hosted by Papua, New Guinea, and much preparation and funding will be required to ensure a successful participation. Additionally, the summer Olympics will take place in Brazil 2016 and this also calls for much preparation.

 

“National Sports Federations must properly prepare their athletes for competition along with funding to allow for participation at the different levels of competition,” he said. “ASNOC assists with both areas of training and funding.”

 

INTER-SAMOA GAMES

 

Langkilde also revealed that there have been talks between the two Samoas for Inter-Samoa Games.

 

He says there have been discussions with Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) president Patrick Fepulea’i about holding Inter-Samoa Games four times a year.

 

He explained that American Samoa would host the Games on its Flag Day and Moso’oi Week, while Samoa would host the other two Games during Independence Day and Teuila Week.

 

ASNOC & SASNOC agreed that the different events throughout the year can serve as venues for the Inter-Samoa Games, he said.

 

“Fepulea'i is very supportive of doing more crossover sports development and competition with Samoa. Having this as an area of discussion in the Samoa Talks would be an idea ASNOC & SASNOC certainly appreciate and fully support,” Langkilde said.

 

The Samoa talks between leaders and representatives of the two Samoas is set for June 28 in Apia, Samoa.