ABSTRACT
Large-scale events can affect the host economy, the natural environment, and the socio-cultural fabric of the host community. Given the significant finances required to host large scale sporting events, much of the initial research around sporting events involved estimating the economic impacts of hosting these events. More recently, there has been a shift in direction to examine the impacts of events on the host community’s subjective well-being. This research contributes to this area by using the 2019 Pacific Games as a case study held in Samoa. Using a quantitative survey instrument among Pacific Games attendees (N=334), this research assesses the extent to which perceived economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts, as a result of this sporting event, influence the attending residents’ subjective well-being. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews captured on tablets. Interviews were conducted at Games venues and commonly frequented locations around Samoa. The findings from this research can guide other SIDS when hosting sporting events and can serve as a benchmark to assess how future sporting events can motivate attendees to live healthier and more environmentally sustainable lifestyles. Unlike previous research, the conceptual framework includes assessing the likelihood of Games attendees’ intention to act in a pro-environmental way and their intention to implement a healthier lifestyle because of attending the Pacific Games.
