Guam, Samoa and Tahiti have declared their interest to host the 2019 Pacific Games.

This was confirmed by Pacific Games president Vidhya Lakhan.

Speaking in a press conference at the FASANOC boardroom in Suva yesterday Lakhan said he was pleased with the response.

“As you know when the Tongan Government withdrew their support from hosting the 2019 Pacific Games, the council had called for an expression of interest from their member associates,” he said.

“All expression of interest had to be in by July 31, which was yesterday.

“The expression of interest had these three members who gave in their submissions even though they had put in very little information.

“These three countries have previously hosted the Pacific Games, actually twice and they’ve almost all the necessary facilities we need for the Games, which is a plus factor.

“As I said, they have hosted the Games previously therefore they all have what it takes to organise an event such as the Pacific Games.

“The PGC executive board will now evaluate the expression of interest thoroughly, if necessary visit the countries to evaluate their facilities, talk with their sports people and the political leaders before making the final selection.”

The new host of the 2019 Pacific Games will be announced on September 1.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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