Pacific Games: ‘Plenty needs to be done’

Nuku‘alofa – The Pacific Games Council says progress is being made in Tonga towards delivering a successful event in 2019 – although it admits plenty still needs to be done.

A number of existing venues in Nuku‘alofa are still in need of an upgrade before being games-ready, including Teufaiva Park, which will host the main ceremonies and sports such as athletics and rugby.

An indoor hall that was initially built for the 1989 Mini Games is still being used for local events but is also due to be refurbished. Meanwhile Queen Salote Memorial Hall, which will host five sports including weightlifting, has already been given the tick of approval from sporting officials.

The executive director of the Pacific Games Council, Andrew Minogue, says they remain positive that Tonga can deliver on schedule but says there is still a long way to go.

“There are a lot of other venues that need to be built. The Chinese government has entered an agreement with the Tongan government to redevelop Tonga High School and that will give us a range of sporting facilities there as well.”

“Things are happening there, and there are some facilities in place but obviously a lot more will need to be done in the next three years.”

Minogue says there are also number of other schools in Nuku’alofa that are in walking distance of venues that can be converted and used as the athletes village. - RNZI