A night of Opera Under the Stars has earned Manu Samoa over T$200,000 for their World Cup campaign next year.

The St Therese Resort and Accommodation fundraising committee, which put on the opera special earlier this month successfully raised $201,694.66 which they presented to the Prime Minister and Samoa Rugby Union (S.RU) chief executive yesterday.

Four of the seven people behind the fundraiser gifted the cheque to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr Sa’ilele Malielegaoi who accepted it gratefully in his office.

Kereti Ah Kiki, who as well as a principal organizer of the event said it’s all about supporting the nation’s team to succeed.

“You would always hope it will raise their spirits knowing their country is behind them, in terms of finance, and moral support,” she said.

“Even though we are not that rich of a country, we hope to raise [money] for the boys to make it easier for them to do a good job on the field.”

Supporting international sporting successes like Manu Samoa will widely benefit Samoa, she said.

“It encourages all Samoans in terms of sports to raise our standards, in any sports.

“And health-wise, we want to encourage our kids that sport is a good thing for them.”

Ms Ah Liki, alongside Jackie Fepuleai, Francine Meredith-Fruean and Gertrude Stunzner-Clarke agreed that for any Samoan, having pride in one’s country is important.

“In any field, be it sports or whatever, give back to the community, to the country.”

Going forward, Ms Ah Liki and her committee said they are eager to work with any charitable organisation who may like their help.

S.R.U Chief executive officer Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai said he was excited and proud to receive the funds.