Apia, Samoa – Loau Keneti Sio, a former Manu Samoa rugby great and the current Member of Parliament for Sagaga No. 1, has voiced his strong support for the newly established Ministry of Sports and Recreation. Alongside his congratulations to Minister Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell, Loau has called for a significant increase in the ministry's budget, from the current $18 million to $30 million.
In his statement, Loau emphasised that the current allocation is insufficient to meet the growing needs of sports development in Samoa. He pointed out that additional funding is crucial, particularly for the national rugby team, Manu Samoa, to ensure that local players receive fair compensation comparable to their overseas counterparts.
"Developing sports in Samoa requires a more substantial investment," Loau asserted. "Our local players are just as committed and talented as those playing overseas, and they deserve to be paid accordingly. It's essential for their motivation and for the growth of sports in our country."
Loau's call for increased funding comes at a pivotal time as the Ministry of Sports and Recreation embarks on recruiting a Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) to lead the ministry. The recruitment process, announced by the Samoa Public Service Commission, seeks to fill the C.E.O. position with a candidate who will oversee sports development, recreation programs, and the management of sports facilities and equipment. The ministry has been allocated $8.2 million for its initial operations in the upcoming budget, which is part of the broader $18 million set aside for the establishment of three new ministries.
Minister Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell has welcomed the recruitment process and highlighted the importance of the C.E.O. role in driving the ministry's initiatives. However, Loau's remarks bring to light the ongoing financial challenges faced by the sports sector in Samoa.
"As a former athlete and now as a member of Parliament, I see the potential and the passion in our local sports community," Loau said. "We must ensure that they have the resources they need to thrive and to represent Samoa with pride on the international stage."
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation was established under Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa's strategic cabinet realignment, which included appointing Laumatiamanu as the inaugural Minister for Sports and Recreation. Since its inception, the ministry has been operating from the Ministry of Education and Culture's headquarters in Malifa, leveraging its sports division resources.
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