IT will be impossible for small countries to host full games, says long time Pacific games observer Bob Snow. This is after concern is reported to be growing that the South Pacific Games may be becoming too big for most regional countries to host.
The 2003 South Pacific Games in Suva was reported to have brought together more than 4000 competitors and officials from 22 participating countries.
That games costing was at least US$31 million comprising sporting facilities given by China, money from the Fiji government, corporate sponsorship of $7 million dollars and Suva City Council upgrading worth $3 million.
The 2007 Pacific Games in Samoa was reported to have spent more on making the event much bigger and better than the previous one.
For the 2011 Games, host New Caledonia is spending close to a massive US$120 million in infrastructure and games organising.
“I stick to my words that it will be impossible for smaller countries to host full games,” Snow said.
“All the small countries spend most of their money on health, education, transport and infrastructure and it will be difficult for them to use the money on big games.”
The 2009 Pacific Mini Games have seen less competition especially in track events where Fijians have been dominant.
“There have been no surprises so far except for the three field events where the PMG records have been broken,” Snow said.
“All sports personnel here continuously take part in the Oceania championships and maybe they (Pacific Games Council) have to rethink how it (PMG) operates.” - Rashneel Kumar: Cook Islands News