In a press release sent earlier today, the Pacific Games Council has announced that will now formally terminate the Host Agreement with Tonga and call for expressions of interest from other Pacific Games Associations (PGAs) who may wish to host the 2019 Pacific Games. With the passing of 30 June deadline, that PGC provided the Tongan Tongan Government to re-commit to its contractual obligation to host the 2019 Pacific Games, this was the next logical step that was bound to come.
The council, however, thanked the Tongan PGA (TASANOC) and the Games Organising Committee for their efforts to keep the 2019 Pacific Games in Tonga and to remain faithful to the undertakings Tonga made to the athletes of the Pacific. As required, TASANOC had formally advised the PGC that the withdrawal of the Tongan Government’s support renders it unable to host the Games.
The PGC, amidst these unfortunate scenarios felt this to be a missed opportunity for Tonga’s own athletes and for the wider Tongan community – its business sector, social institutions, and most especially, its youth.
Steps forward, Expressions of Interest from PGAs wishing to host the Games, invited by PGC, will be due by 31 July and the PGC Executive Board should be able to recommend an alternative host by the end of August.