It has been a week since Team Samoa started their journey to Birmingham. After 3 days of
traveling for most of them, they have all arrived safe and sound in their home for the next
two and a half weeks.
On Wednesday morning (local time), the flag raising ceremony was conducted at the
University of Warwick Campus. “During the flag raising ceremony, Team Samoa presented
our gift of tanoa and talavalu to the mayor of Warwick”, reported the Chef de Mission Mrs.
Tagifano Soonalole Sam-Chong.
Team Samoa concluded the flag raising ceremony with an impromptu number, where the
Analyst of the Sevens team Hari Narayan and captain Melani Matavao, and athlete of the
Wrestling team Taitaifono Tamati danced at the forefront showing off their tatau Samoa. It
was an amazing scene captured well by those who attended the ceremony
All management and athletes are all well in Birmingham. They continue to hold evening
devotionals, and train at every chance they could get before the official opening of the
Commonwealth Games which will be held at the Alexander Stadium, on Friday 29th July at
7:00am (local time).