Samoa 2019: XVI Pacific Games is biggest Games ever

Sport: Largest ever Pacific Games underway in Samoa

The biggest Pacific Games in history have been declared officially open in Samoa.

More than 5000 athletes and team officials marched in last night's opening ceremony at Apia Park, as a packed house witnessed a three hour celebration of Samoan culture.

And there was never any doubt who would get the loudest cheer from the Apia crowd.

19 year-old weightlifter Feagaiga Stowers had the honour of leading the home nation onto the field as flag bearer.

Samoa are the only country competing in all 27 sports over the next two weeks, with the Games' biggest delegation of 506 athletes in stark contrast to the Marshall Islands, with just 28.

Meanwhile New Caledonia and Tahiti both had dual flag bearers at the opening ceremony, with the French, Kanak and Tahitian flags all recognised.