Pacific Games Council (PGC) President Vidhya Lakhan and Executive Director Andrew Minogue are currently in Tonga on a two day visit to review Tonga’s bid for the 15th Pacific Games in 2015.
Following the recent signing of an agreement between Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and the PGC last week in Fiji – aimed at enhancing the capacity of the four yearly Pacific Games – Tonga Football Association (TFA) is playing a major role in Tonga’s bid.
In a media conference this afternoon, Tonga’s 2015 Bid Committee CEO and TFA President ‘Ahongalu Fusimalohi explained to local media that the visit presents an opportunity for the council to discuss marketing and broadcasting matters as well as negotiate any outstanding issues Tonga may have in relation to the draft host city council contract, which is expected to be signed by the winning Pacific Games bidder and the host government at the AGM in Rarotonga on 27 September.
PGC President Vidhya Lakhan said the visit has helped the council get abreast with a lot of logistical matters.
“We need to ensure Tonga has the capacity to host games of this magnitude and to explain to Tonga what their commitments are in terms of ensuring they fully understand their role,” Vidhya said.
The PGC duos’ first impressions are very positive with Minogue telling TFA, “we are impressed with the level of organisation.”
Backed with a USD$50 million budget, Tonga is bidding against the likes of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to host a 2015 Games that will accommodate 28 sports. However, the fate of Tonga’s bid is riding on all 22 Pacific member countries when the AGM convenes in Rarotonga later this year.
Courtesy of TFA Media.