Twenty Chinese professional coaches have arrived in Samoa to provide training for the country's athletes ahead of next year's South Pacific Games in Apia.

Radio New Zealand International said Thursday funded by the Samoan government, the Chinese coaches will work with their local counterparts for 12 months in their area of expertise such as weight-lifting, boxing, swimming and athletics.

Meanwhile, during the welcome for the Chinese, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi dismissed claims that politics and sports don't mix, adding that without government help, next year's Games would not be a reality.

Tuilaepa said the government has already spent millions of dollars to ensure the facilities are ready, and urged all sporting leaders to deliver their best.

(Xinhua News Agency October 6, 2006)