By: Asenati Taugasolo Semu
The ground breaking ceremony this morning for the $8 million football project at the Apia Park further highlights Government’s continued commitment to the development of sports in the country.
The project is funded by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and will include three full size football fields, with an additional three mini football pitches, solely for the use by youths and for trainings.
Prime Minister Tuila’epa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi in his keynote address said this Redevelopment Project, is not only in line with the Government’s strategic direction for Sports, but it is also very timely given the need to continuously add to and improve sports infrastructure, facilities and equipment in the country. “Therefore, when Cabinet was approached by the Football Federation Samoa in late 2019, for this land and part of the Apia Park Sports Complex, the full support of Government was stamped,” said Tuila’epa.The Prime Minister as Patron of the majority of Sports in Samoa, also stressed the importance of good governance in sports.
“Samoan Government works to ensure that good governance is applied across all sports and sporting bodies. In the past, practices of poor governance have been demonstrated in both national and international sporting organisations, which have greatly hampered the development of sports, due to the mismanagement of funds and territorial personnel. It is for this reason, that the Samoan Government have put in place the necessary mechanisms with pro-active sporting bodies, to ensure good governance.
“Soccer is a very important sport in the world today, because it generates good income for players and their families.”
President of Football Federation Samoa (F.F.S.) Papalii Leslie Petaia said the construction of the six soccer fields is expected to complete this time next year.
“The Samoa soccer federation is targeting the development of the sport in the grassroot level, and we are planning to extend our promotions and awareness programmes to the villages,” said Papalii.
Papalii said the construction works for the soccer fields has been awarded to two local companies, the R&R Construction; and the SDBL Schwalger Design and Build.
Source: Savali Newspaper Facebook Page/Government of Samoa
