Opinion:Let the Games Begin: Why Tonga Must Embrace the 2031 South Pacific Games
Tonga’s successful bid to host the 2031 South Pacific Games has reignited debate among Members of Parliament. Some, particularly those aligned with the late Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva, have expressed doubts, echoing his 2019 decision to cancel the Games over fears of excessive spending and a lack of tangible return.
But while those concerns may resonate politically, they have never been backed by data. And today, with new evidence from our Pacific neighbours and a growing regional appetite to support sports diplomacy, the argument against hosting the Games is no longer just unfounded. It is out of touch.
“Tonga produces world-class athletes from village fields and schoolyards. Imagine what we could achieve with proper facilities at home,” says William Wolfgramm, former Mate Maʻa Tonga player. “The Games are not just for now. They are an investment in our next generation.”
Look no further than the Solomon Islands. When they hosted the 2023 Pacific Games, they too faced scepticism. Many questioned whether a small island economy could carry the financial weight. But they delivered, and they did so with overwhelming support from development partners.
More than SBD 2.38 billion, equivalent to between US 250 million and US 355 million, was invested in Games-related infrastructure. Over 60 percent of this was funded by donors including China, Australia, Japan, and Indonesia. The Solomon Islands Government covered around 35 percent of the total. This shows that smart diplomacy and sound planning can turn major ambitions into reality.
The economic returns were swift and significant. GDP rebounded from negative 4.1 percent in 2022 to almost 3 percent growth in 2023, boosted by construction, tourism, logistics, and local spending. More than 10,000 jobs were created during the preparation and delivery of the event. Beyond numbers, the Games left behind upgraded schools, dormitories, utility systems, roads, and a world-class stadium. This was not wasteful spending. It was strategic investment.
Tonga is already known worldwide for its sporting talent. Our athletes compete at the highest levels in rugby, boxing, weightlifting, and more. They do so with limited access to modern facilities, relying instead on their natural skill, discipline, and resilience. Sport is one of Tonga’s most successful exports, yet it receives little public investment.
No government in recent memory has allocated millions of dollars to build proper sports infrastructure for our people. Hosting the South Pacific Games in 2031 would change that. This is not an extravagance. It is the first real opportunity in decades to give our athletes the environment they deserve. It is an investment in youth, in health, and in national identity.
Critics have framed the Games as a burden on taxpayers. But that view misrepresents how such events are funded. As the Solomon Islands example clearly shows, most of the funding can and should come from donor partners. Tonga has a long-standing track record of successful cooperation with China, Australia, and others. There is every reason to believe that our Games would be generously supported.
This is not about hosting a festival for its own sake. It is about building infrastructure that lasts. It is about job creation, economic stimulus, and national visibility. It is about transforming sport from something we are proud of into something we actively support and grow.
To the Members of Parliament who remain hesitant, the question must be asked: if we do not invest in our young people, our athletes, and our national pride, then who will?
The Games are not a gamble. They are a strategic opportunity to shape our country’s future. Let us not allow hesitation or fear to undermine a moment that could bring unity, pride, and lasting change.
Let the vision be bold. Let our people believe. Let the Games begin, not just on the field, but in the promise of what Tonga can become.
Tu’ifua Vailena
