Team Va’a Samoa will be heading to Singapore this Friday for the International Va’a Federation (I.V.F.) World Championship.
The team will compete alongside the world’s leading va’a nations and paddlers in one of the sport’s most prestigious international championships.
The majority of the team are local athletes, and for the Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association (S.O.C.A.), the campaign represents the collective effort of Samoa’s va’a community.
The uniforms for Team Samoa were officially presented to the team last Friday by the Associate Minister of Sports, Fiu Faaolatane Ponifasio.
The ceremony was also attended by the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (S.A.S.N.O.C.) Chief Executive Officer, Tuala Mathew Vaea, S.O.C.A. Executive Committee members, coaches, team management, athletes and sponsors.
In his keynote address, the Associate Minister spoke to the athletes about the responsibility and privilege that comes with wearing the national colours.
“A jersey is earned, never owned. You earned yours today because those before you left it in a better place, and now it is your responsibility to carry that legacy while inspiring the generation that follows.”
S.O.C.A. President Auali’itia Leata Mailo, in her remarks, described the opportunity as a historic moment for Samoa, given the scale of the competition and the fact that this is the largest-ever contingent to attend an I.V.F. World Championship.
“This team represents the work being done in our clubs, the commitment of our coaches and leaders, and the potential of our paddlers.”
She pointed out that the team reflects what is possible when investment is made in people, opportunities are created for athletes, and there is a belief in the talent here in Samoa.
Auali’itia also thanked the Government of Samoa, through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (M.S.R.), for investing in athletes and supporting the campaign.
“Government support, together with the contribution of our clubs, families, sponsors and wider community, has helped create an opportunity for our athletes to proudly represent Samoa on the world stage.”
S.O.C.A., through a press statement, acknowledged with sincere appreciation the Government of Samoa, through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (M.S.R.), for its financial support towards the Team Va’a Samoa campaign to the I.V.F. World Sprint Championships in Singapore.
The association acknowledged that the Government’s support has played an important role in helping S.O.C.A. provide a pathway for Samoan athletes to compete internationally and represent their country at the highest level of va’a competition.
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