Prince Ata arrived in 'Uvea

Tonga's Prince Ata has arrived in 'Uvea leading delegates to make a final bid for Tonga to host the 2019 Pacific Games

The successful bid will be decided on Friday, October 19.

Tonga is competing with Tahiti for the opportunity to host the Games, an event that will require Tonga to come up with funding of $USD70 million.

'Ahongalu Fusimalohi  believed that Tonga's chances of winning the 2019 Games is favorable as this is Tonga's first attempt to host the games while Tahiti has hosted the same games twice and was bidding for the third time.

The delegates who arrived in Uvea on Monday, October 15 include Lord Vaea, Minister of Internal Affairs, Lord Tevita Tupou, President of TASANOC, Lopeti Senituli CEO for Ministry of Internal Affairs, Takitoa Taumoepeau Secretary General of TASANOC, Michael Bloomfield TASANOC Treasurer, 'Ahongalu Fusimalohi, Administrator of Tonga's 2019 Bid, with Leonaitasi Kuluni Aid to Prince Ata, Faivamalie a Talking Chief.

Tupou Pasikala Fiu, Honorary French Consul in Tonga is also in 'Uvea.

22-Member countries of the Pacific Games Council have arrived in 'Uvea for its Annual General Assembly on October 18-19. The Pacific Games Council General Assembly will then decide on Friday, October 19 between Tonga or Tahiti, in a secret ballot.

To host the 2019 games, Tonga will need a budget of $USD50 million for capital development costs to renovate Tonga's dilapidated sports facilties and another $USD20 million for operating expenses.

Aid donor support will be needed to construct sporting facilities, along with income from franchises through partnerships and sponsorship.

The 'Uvean people who have a strong lineage to Tonga have made presentations to Prince Ata, to renew family ties and lineages.