3736(II)_The warmest Commonwealth Youth Games - Samoa 2015

By Fr. Pasileo, SDB

Apia, Samoa, September 5-11 - This evening with the fifteen minutes long wonderful fireworks the Fifth Commonwealth Youth Games (under 20) in Apia, capital of Samoa, was concluded.

Some 950 young athletes from 65 countries of the British Commonwealth competed for 5 days with the help of 2000 volunteers. Among the 22 EAO countries - Australia, Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Malaysia and Pakistan are member countries.

The opening and closing ceremony at Apia Park was marked by cultural presentation of Samoan culture, large groups of dancers and singers. As usually our Bosconians from Alafua Don Bosco Technical Center did not miss this occasion. Last minute practice brought as usual wonderful fruits. At the end of the event, the Head of the Organizing committee of the Commonwealth Youth Games appreciated the welcoming and wonderful family environment as the 'Warmest Youth Games' ever!

There was also a very meaningful presence of five young journalist from our secondary school in Melbourne, Sunbury (Australia) with their Rector Fr. Will Matthews, who have been taking video footage of the whole event.

The Commonwealth Youth Games were launched in the year 2000 in Edinburgh, the young participants between 14-18 years of age compete in 9 sport disciplines. Next edition of the CYG will take place in 2017 in St.Lucia.

After the Pacific Games 2015 held last July in Papua New Guinea, this is the second largest sport event in the Pacific participated by our Salesians and Bosconians.