The sixteenth edition of the Pacific Games was held in Apia, Samoa this year. This is the third time Samoa has hosted the Games and it closed with a message from Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi that “not only has the Pacific Games become a great regional sporting event, but it is truly inscribed with much deeper cultural and political importance.”

Forest Whitaker had the honor of addressing the closing ceremony of the Games with a message of unity and peace, that the pride and dedication of the Samoan people has inspired the world. As an SDG Advocate, he addressed the climate and development challenges that face pacific nations and offered his solidarity in overcoming these challenges.

“I congratulate the Pacific Leaders, for this year’s Games demonstrate their vision and faith in sport as an agent of positive change and as an enabler of Sustainable Development"

- Forest Whitaker

The closing ceremony began with many of the athletes, some wearing their medals, walking a lap of Apia Park Stadium athletics track, past the flaming cauldron, which had seen five days of action over the week. It ended with dancing and fireworks.

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