"The two weeks draw to a conclusion today," says Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, Samoa's Prime Minister.

"What performances we have seen in the past fortnight.

"Not only the Games have become a great continental sporting event, it has taken on deeper cultural importance.

"Samoa has been privileged to have been the field of triumph over the past two weeks.

"To all of you who have been selected, you have really achievement.

"Sport events are meant to showcase the collective talent, rather than the winners.

"Winners only exist because someone stood to compete.

"So to medal winners and those who did not win, I say congratulations.

"The region is blessed with a lot of talent, as it evident by the number of athletes here.

"We are blessed with young men and women with great talent.

"We need to nuture this talent for our future.

"Our Government will continue to assist to develop sport and enable athletes to compete internationally.

"Samoa has learnt a lot from these Games, including having a greater focus on gender equality."