Hon. Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio, Minister of Education, Sports and Culture,
Mr. Zhou Liujun, Vice Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency,
Mr. Lv Guoguang, General Manager of China Sports International Co, Ltd.
Representatives of Samoan athletes,
Chinese coaches and technicians,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening!
I am very delighted to host a reception for representatives of Samoan athletes who competed in the 2019 Pacific Games, and Chinese coaches and technicians who have provided support and help to the Games.
In the past two weeks, like all the Samoans, my colleagues and I have been amazed by the stunning opening and closing ceremonies of the Pacific Games and thrilled by the outstanding performances of Samoan athletes. In the closing ceremony, President of the Pacific Games Council Mr.Vidhya Lakhan pointed out that Samoa has raised the bar of hosting the Games to a new level. Hereby I wish to express my warmest congratulations to Samoa on its successful hosting of the best ever Pacific Games in history, and heartfelt congratulations to all the Samoan athletes on your wonderful performance!
Chinese President Xi Jingping once said, “Happiness is achieved through hard work”. There is devotion and sacrifice behind each and every success. The Chinese Embassy, through providing support and assistance to the Games, have the honor of taking part in the preparations leading up to the Games and witnessed with our own eyes, many touching stories. For example, there were heavy rainfall lasting for several days before the opening ceremony. In order to prevent the fireworks donated by China from getting damaged, the Chinese technical team kept watch on site for several nights in a row. One night, the rain was so heavy that the Chinese technical team called the officials of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, and the Games Organizing Committee for help at 3am in the morning. To their surprise, they found that all the Samoan officials are still working in their office. Learning their anxiety for the fireworks, the Samoan officials immediately contacted the Fire Brigade and helped the Chinese team move the fireworks to a safe place. The dedication and devotion of the Samoan team greatly moves the Chinese team, and we all know it is also the main reason why this year’s Games is such a success.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The purpose of our reception this evening is to thank all those who have devoted their time and energy for the success of the Games.
First, I wish to thank the government agencies of both China and Samoa for our sound cooperation, which enabled us to complete all the Games-related projects in the fastest speed and within the shortest time. They include but not limited to China International Development Cooperation Agency, Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Samoan Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Police, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Samoan Sports Facility Authority, as well as the Organizing Committee of the Pacific Games and Samoan Olympic Committee, etc.
I want to thank Chinese coaches and Samoan athletes. To prepare for this year’s Games, nearly 300 Samoan athletes went to China for a 3-month training. 15 Chinese coaches came to Samoa for coaching. The time of training is limited, but it is very productive thanks to the hard work of both sides. Samoan athletes made historical breakthroughs in archery, field and tracks, and break their own records in weightlifting, boxing, swimming, tennis and football.
I also want to thank the technicians of both countries for providing technical support to the vehicles donated by China, and the sports facilities built with China aid. The Chinese agricultural expert team helped to ensure the vegetable supply of the Games. The Chinese medical team provided medical service to the athletes. The fireworks team from China put up a stunning fireworks show at the opening and closing ceremonies, and Chinese team of teachers helped design and rehearse the mass games at the ceremonies.
Last but not the least, I also wish to thank the construction workers of both countries. They braved the scorching sun and heavy rain to built and renovate all the sports facilities in less than 9 months, which is a miracle.
Thank you all!
Ladies and gentlemen,
The slogan of this year’s Games is “One in Spirit”. The close and sincere cooperation between Chinese coaches, technicians and Samoan athletes and Games officials have been the best example of “One in Spirit”. As Prime Minister Tuilaepa said, “ the Pacific Games is more than just about competitions of the various sports codes. It is all about building people to people connectivity and the promotion of sporting activities”. This year’s pacific Games has come to an end, but it is just the beginning of our deeper cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and joint promotion of sports. I believe, the China-Samoa Comprehensive Strategic Partnership based on mutual respect and common development will continue to flourish. China will always be good and reliable friend of Samoa.
Thank you!