Twenty Chinese professional coaches have arrived in Samoa to
provide training for the country's athletes ahead of next year's
South Pacific Games in Apia.
Radio New Zealand International said Thursday funded by the
Samoan government, the Chinese coaches will work with their local
counterparts for 12 months in their area of expertise such as
weight-lifting, boxing, swimming and athletics.
Meanwhile, during the welcome for the Chinese, Prime Minister
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi dismissed claims that politics and
sports don't mix, adding that without government help, next year's
Games would not be a reality.
Tuilaepa said the government has already spent millions of
dollars to ensure the facilities are ready, and urged all sporting
leaders to deliver their best.
(Xinhua News Agency October 6, 2006)
