Football Federation Samoa (FFS) conducted a hand over ceremony on Friday 19th July 2019 to officially open the newly refurbished stadium at J Blatter Complex, Tuana’imato.
The opening ceremony started with an opening prayer by Rev. Muao Fagasua of EFKS Vaitele Uta.
The Honourable Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti delivered the keynote address and spoke on behalf of the Government of Samoa.
“The Samoan Government acknowledges with appreciation the continuing support and commitment from FIFA towards the development of football in Samoa. Over the years FIFA has continued to provide the necessary financial and technical support to the FFS to enable the federation to advance the development of the sport in the country.
This evening we witness that Football Federation Samoa now has the resources and the sporting facilities in place that should help improve the popularity and professionalism of football in our country.
I wish to commend FIFA for its continuing investment of resources into the development of the J.S Blatter soccer stadium to make it what it is today.”
The project was part of FIFA’s assistance to various Member Associations to improve their respective facilities.
FFS President Papalii Samuel Petaia delivered the report of the Project.
“The total cost of the project is circa $1.5 million, and the project started in November 2018 and finished in mid-June 2019. The duration of the project was 7 months.
The stadium consists of lower floor of the complex which has 700 covered fire proof seats from Europe, 6 spectator’s seats and a section of the stadium with ramps and access for spectators with disabilities.
Two large fully air conditioned changing rooms beneath the stadium which houses 5 toilets and showers per changing room. On the upper floor of the complex, there is a bathroom for people with special needs, an anti-doping bathroom and lab, media room, men’s and women’s bathroom’s, VIP room and conference centre.”
FFS President acknowledged the hard work of the Project Manager Asiata Van Wright of Le Vikz Consultancy, Project designer Ms Velda Suhren Cafarelli and Recon constructions for making sure the project is completed before the XVI Pacific Games.
Ministers of Cabinet, members of the Diplomatic Corp, FIFA Director of Development for Oceania and members of the 12 participating teams for the XVI Pacific games were present at the event.
The refurbishment project completion coincided well with the timing of Samoa hosting of the XVI PACIFIC 2019.
ENDS
