Tonga to host 2019 Pacific Games!

Prime Minister Hon. Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva has released a statement stating the Games will be held in the Kingdom, despite difficulties in raising the funds necessary to finance it.

The decision was made to go ahead with the hosting after a special Cabinet meeting held earlier this week, with the Sports Organising Committee leaders meeting with Government officials to discuss details of the Games.

With the lack of funding for the construction of proper facilities and equipment for the Games, it was doubtful that Tonga would go ahead with hosting.

Sporting facilities such as a golf course and a swimming pool do not currently exist in Tonga, and these two facilities alone would take up half of the budget claimed to be needed for the 2019 Games. In addition, existing facilities in Tonga are not adequate for the Games - which includes an outdoor stadium, and an indoor stadium that would host basketball, volleyball, netball, and other events.

But Minister for Finance and National Planning, Dr. Hon. ‘Aisake Eke remains hopeful about Tonga’s ability to host the Games, and construction could begin later next year.

In the meantime, the Oceania Sports Association has spoken out that preparation for the 2019 Games in Tonga is late by almost two years, with the projected budget for the infrastructural construction alone stands at $133 million pa’anga.