Team Samoa will have 332 athletes and 101 officials who will be going to the Pacific Games 2023 in the Solomon Islands this month.

According to the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC), there are 183 male athletes and 149 female which highlights the importance of gender equality in sports as the government continues to provide equal opportunities for everyone.

Reverend Minister Poasa Lusi Toaiivao led the Team Samoa farewell public march with a brief service followed by remarks from the Acting Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio.

Tuala reminded the athletes of the value of remaining loyal and putting commitment to the sports they play.

He said the tournament between the Pacific nations including Australia and New Zealand will take place over 17 days and will showcase the best levels of sportsmanship in the region.

He also mentioned Faith Vui, a young female golfer, and used her inspirational tale to encourage Team Samoa to pursue their goals.

“Samoan pride needs no explanation. Look at the recent achievement last week by our young female local golfer, Faith Vui. The very first Samoan to win the prestigious New Zealand Golf Championship," said Tuala.

"This demonstrates that dreams can be realised, just as you members of Team Samoa are about to achieve your dreams.”

“For young aspiring athletes, coaches or team management; the 2023 Pacific Games is a milestone to gauge your ability, your endurance, your determination and your desire to be the best.

“But above all, it is a lifetime opportunity to travel, experience new shores, make new friends, and enjoy representing your country of Samoa.”

Koki Junior Koki Mate, a volleyball player from the villages of Salani Falealili, Siufaga Faletai, and Falelauniu, expressed his gratitude for being selected to represent Samoa in the Pacific Games and she stated that her team is to win a gold medal for Samoa.

The 25-year-old also thanked her parents, relatives, and friends for their unwavering support, which has enabled him to be successful.

“The chance to compete in the Pacific Game's volleyball competition as a representative of Samoa excites me so much. Our team is therefore prepared to win a gold medal for Samoa because of our dedication to our training and our prior planning,” he said.

“And I want to express my gratitude to my parents, relatives, and friends for making this journey possible. I would want to dedicate this to you all.”

Team Samoa will depart Samoa on three different dates as some sports start later than others. The flights are scheduled on 15 November, 19 November and 25 November.

The 2023 Pacific Games, officially known as the XVII Pacific Games, will be a continental multi-sport event for Oceania countries and territories that are scheduled to be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands between 19 November and 2 December 2023. This will be the first time the Solomon Islands will host the Pacific Games.

The Games were originally scheduled for 16–29 July 2023. However, in July 2021, the Games organisers requested a date change due to delays in preparation for the games caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Solomon Islands. The games will take place in 11 venues spread across the host city of Honiara.

It is expected that 24 countries and territories are to participate: the 22 Pacific Games Association (PGA), and two Associate members - New Zealand, and Australia and the programme of the Pacific Games shall consist of a maximum of 24 sports.