KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Minister of Sports and Recreation Hon. Laumatiamanu Matthew Ringo Purcell MSR Samoa [Thursday 24 April 2025]
Lau Susuga i le Taitai o le Sauniga
Your Excellency – Fei Mingxing,
Chinese Project managers, engineers, workers,
Members of the Media
Management and Staff of MSR
Ladies and gentlemen,
Talofa lava and warm greetings to you all.
Thank you Your Excellency Fei Mingxing for gracing us with your presence and for your wonderful and inspiring address this morning. It is an honour to stand alongside you for this very special occasion – the official commencement of the auxiliary work for the Samoa Aquatic Centre. This project marks an important new chapter in the ongoing partnership between the Government of Samoa and the Government of the People’s Republic of China under the Ninth-Phase China Aid Samoa Apia Comprehensive Sports Venues Technical Assistance Project.
Originally built by the Chinese Government in 2005, this Aquatic Centre has long stood as a symbol of friendship, goodwill, and shared commitment to the development of Samoa’s sporting sector. For nearly two decades, it has served our people well—hosting local and international competitions, and nurturing generations of swimmers and aquatic athletes.
Today, we take the next step forward, not only to improve a facility, but to uplift the dreams and ambitions of our youth, our athletes, and our nation.
The Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation extends a heartfelt gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for undertaking this significant refurbishment. Your enduring support is not only a reflection of China’s generosity, but of a long-standing relationship that is grounded in mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared desire to help our people thrive.
Your Excellency, this auxiliary work, scheduled across 150 days of dedicated work is a shining example of the strength of our bilateral ties. It stands as proof that when nations work together with understanding and a shared vision, great things are possible.
Let me also acknowledge the commitment and tireless efforts of the workers, engineers, project managers, and support teams who will undertake this substantial and complex task. We recognize the hard work that lies ahead and we wish you every success as you bring renewed life to this facility.
This refurbishment is about more than bricks and mortar. It is about providing the best possible environment for our swimmers, coaches, and communities across Samoa. It is about enabling our youth to chase their goals, and our country to host competitions of international standard. It is part of a wider mission, to build modern, resilient, and accessible sports infrastructure around the nation where talent can be nurtured, wellness promoted, and unity fostered.
Your Excellency, FAAFETAI TELE once again for your presence and your support. We value and deeply appreciate China’s continued contribution to Samoa’s development, not only in sport but in health, education, infrastructure, and so many other areas. We are reminded today that our friendship is enduring and continues to deliver tangible benefits that touch the lives of our people.
As caretaker of all sports and recreational facilities in Samoa, I consider it our responsibility and honour to ensure that this project is completed with purpose and used to its full potential for years to come.
May God bless this project and protect all those working on it, and may this collaboration between Samoa and China grow stronger for the benefit of future generations.
Fa’afetai tele lava. Soifua ma ia manuia.
Photo by the Government of Samoa [Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo]
