Pacific Games council give Tahiti prep the thumbs-up

Tahiti's preparations to host the 2027 Pacific Games have received a strong endorsement from the Pacific Games Council. Following a week of meetings in Pape'ete, council chief executive Andrew Minogue expressed confidence that the host nation is on track to deliver a successful event.

"I think everybody came away very happy knowing that the Games are on track," Minogue stated. "They're being very well managed and organised." Representatives from 24 participating nations and territories, along with the council's executive board, heard updates from the French Polynesian government, the Tahiti 2027 organizing committee, and various stakeholders. Delegates also toured facilities, including athlete accommodation at high schools and several competition venues.

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I think everybody came away very happy knowing that the Games are on track. They're being very well managed and organised.

While some facilities are still under construction, Minogue indicated that all should be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2027. The main athletics track is expected to be finished by the end of this year, and indoor sports venues requiring renovations should be ready by the first quarter of next year. "I think delegates were impressed that there are good facilities," he added.

A significant aspect of the upcoming Games is their role as a qualifying event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. For some sports, the Pacific Games will offer direct Olympic qualification pathways, while for others, it will provide crucial ranking points. The Games will also serve as the Oceania Championship for weightlifting, attracting a high standard of competition. This dual role enhances the Games' importance for athletes aiming for Olympic or World Championship participation.

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I think delegates were impressed that there are good facilities.