Get your sabers out, American Samoa there’s a new sport on island, and it’s trying to expand to reach the youth of the territory. Fencing has been brought to our shores for the first time thanks to the Regional Development Officer for the Oceania Fencing Federation, Leon Thomas, who hosted Fencing clinics last week at the DYWA gymnasium in Pago Pago.
 
According to Thomas, this was his first trip to American Samoa and the purpose was to bring the sport of Fencing to our territory. “I came here to meet up with Ethan Lake, and our aim is to get fencing started here with some introductory programs – visits to schools and some work with the general public coming in to give fencing a try.”
 
He added, “It’s more about an enjoyable sport — mental and physical — for people to participate and enjoy what we call a real fight. It’s quite harmless, no one gets hurt, we all wear padding, the swords are blunt they’re nice and flexible.”         When asked what brought their interest to bring fencing to American Samoa, Thomas said, “Irene (Kane) had some contacts with Oceania and that’s been going on for about a year now, and it’s part of bringing fencing to various countries.  It was convenient for me to come here, because I was visiting Western Samoa.”
 
According to Thomas, there are other Pacific countries that have successfully taken up fencing as part of their national federation sports. “The nations of Oceania Fencing so far are Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Western Samoa, and Tahiti.”
 
He said, “The Tahitians are very motivated and they have a lot of fencing – New Caledonians as well, we’re just getting started in Western Samoa, the program’s been there for a year, we’re hoping for big things to come from them, as well as here in American Samoa with the introductory stage of the sport.”
 
Samoa News spoke to Irene Kane who played a huge role in luring the sport to the territory.  She stated, “I’ve always seen fencing on Olympic sports and also the USA teams – I thought it would be great to bring a new sport to diversify, as part of the seventeen national federation sports we have here— because it’s an Olympic sport.”
 
She said, “The goal is to develop a Fencing Federation here in American Samoa.”
 
Kane told Samoa News “I contacted Helen and the Oceania Fencing Federation late last year in trying to bring fencing here for our youth and community – it would be nice to see our island participate in the sport. So when they told me that Leon was in Samoa for a visit, we decided to invite him here to come and talk —and perform a  demonstration.”
 
Samoa News asked Leon Thomas about his strategic ideas for promoting fencing on island. He replied, “We’re going to follow a simple format of showing fencing to the kids in school as well as the community – I’m going to teach Irene and Ethan and some of the locals here some of the finer details in fencing, and a bit of an introduction to coaching.  Hopefully it’ll grow from there.”
 
Thomas wanted to acknowledge the supporting cast, those who have assisted in bringing the sport of Fencing to American Samoa. “As always, I would like to thank the local people for having me here – Irene and the people here have gone out of their way to make me comfortable and make me have a great time here.”
 
“I would also like to thank the international federation for providing the funding for us to do these kind of things, of course they’re committed to growing fencing worldwide – I would also like to thank my boss who is the President of the Oceania Fencing Federation for doing all the hard work behind the scenes.”
 
If you’re interested in joining the new sport of Fencing in American Samoa, you can reach Irene at 252-5569 or email irene.kane01@gmail.com.

Introducing the sport of handball into the schools and villages of American Samoa, with the hope of making it one of the most played sports on island— and one of the top sports in Oceania — was the purpose of a workshop that was conducted last week at the Veterans Stadium in Tafuna.

Traveling around the Pacific to conduct such workshops and trainings for Handball, is Boris Mensing, who is the Australia Women’s Handball Team Head Coach. Samoa News was able to speak with him while he was here.

“The purpose of my trip to American Samoa is to let everyone know about the sport of handball, and try to make it one of the most played sports on island for children and local clubs,” Mensing said. “The Handball National Federation is aiming to make this sport part of the Oceania games in the future, but most importantly, to be part of the Olympics in 2024.”

He said that while the sport is played in many Pacific island nations, Papua New Guinea, American Samoa and Cook Islands are the targets right now. He’s here to help people understand the rules, techniques and skills of the sport, Mensing told Samoa News. “We really want Handball to grow, and we’d like to see a team from American Samoa and other Pacific island nations playing in the World Championships and even in the future Olympics.”

As one of Australia’s head Handball coaches, Mensing said that both men and women’s handball teams of Australia are ready to compete in the 2016 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in July, and they have been competing in World Championships since 2010.

The qualifier for Oceania took place on the Gold Coast at the end of February 2016, and both men and women’s teams have won their Oceania qualifiers and a spot in the 2016 World Championships in July, he said. “The World Championships happen every two years and the Handball National Federation is aiming to have as many countries as possible from the Pacific be part of the World Championship.”

Mensing said, “There will be another World Championships in Russia in 2018, so in order for the Pacific region to have many qualified teams, we need to have many certified coaches training local athletes to understand this sport.

“The National Federations are also looking forward to presenting the first handball team to the Youth Olympics in Argentina in 2018, and from there, the sport will continue to grow around the world,” he said.

Many local teaches attended the workshop. “This is a very interesting workshop for me,” said Kiso Arp, a teacher from Siliaga Elementary who is the coach for his school’s handball team. Arp told Samoa News that handball is a new sport in Siliaga, but there’s already a lot of students who love to play.

“It’s an interesting sport, because it has many other techniques like volleyball, rugby, and running incorporated into the game,” he said.

Theresa Lafulemu, another local coach who attended the workshop, said, “This workshop was really helpful to us, it showed us the rules, techniques and the skills, so we can help our local athletes build their knowledge of handball.”

Local coaches and teachers who participated in a one week workshop conducted by Boris Mensing, an Australia Instructor who was recently on island to share his knowledge of the sport. [photo: AF]

He is a byproduct of American Samoa — a small island territory known as a hotbed of elite-level football talent.

However, it wasn’t NFL Hall-of-Famer Junior Seau who paved the way for Sean Manaea. It wasn’t Troy Polamalu or even up-and-coming star Marcus Mariota. Manaea, instead, found his way to baseball becoming one of only a handful of players of Samoan descent to wear a Major League Baseball uniform

The Oakland Athletics starting pitcher is well aware of the NFL lineage linked to his ancestry. And he brings that highly athletic and competitive pedigree from the gridiron to the diamond.

Part of the pedigree that has helped Samoan athletes excel on the football field is a warrior spirit. The ferocious mindset, and open willingness to battle, that is associated with he and his brethren is something Manaea said he harnesses when on the mound:

“When things are going well, I have that ‘no one is going to get a hit off me’ mindset. … Sometimes, when people get on base, it kind of takes over and I’m like ‘you guys are not going to score.’ I’m going to get these two or three hitters out, whatever it is. … I have that ferocity, that passion.”

Not only does that warrior spirit help him day-to-day, and at-bat to at-bat, it helped get him on to the mound. And stay on it.

Since childhood, the 24 year-old has wanted to be a baseball player. It was his dream. So when asked in middle school what his career aspirations were, the answer was clear.

But the History teacher who discovered that dream provided a reaction the 13 year-old couldn’t have expected.

Told to pick another dream, because he was “not that good,” Manaea did some soul searching. When he looked inside, that Polynesian drive was there to answer.

The lefty now uses the experience as inspiration at every ebb, saying he holds it within himself, although it is always fighting to get out.

As he acknowledges, the key to making the most of that drive is learning to control it. Something he admits is still a work in progress:

“Yeah. I mean, you have to have that warrior mindset, you know. … It’s crucial. It helps — it has been there ever since I was a little kid. … It has really been huge for me, and I feel like it does come from the Polynesian side of me.”

Another natural gift the rookie had to maximize through hard work is the one perhaps most commonly associated with descendants of the south pacific — size.

Nearly 6-foot-4 his senior year in high school Manaea was a slender 180 pounds, according to his college coach Rick Heller. Needing to beef up to improve upon his velocity — then in the mid-80s — the Indiana State Sycamore spent every day in the gym.

Now, standing 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, Manaea adds an intimidating stature and Samoan-afro (“Sam-fro”) to his deceptive sidearm release and mid-90s heater.

The summation has taken a skinny kid receiving little attention from college scouts to a dominant collegiate pitcher who garnered consideration for the first overall pick in the draft. And, finally, a top-tier prospect for whom the A’s could no longer generate reason to keep in the minor leagues.

Using his impressive natural tools, which have been fine-tuned through years of hard work, Manaea hopes to not just make a name for himself. He strives to open a pipeline for young Samoan ballplayers.

After their fourth and final test to prepare a team to represent American Samoa at the 2016 Oceania Weightlifting Championships, which is also the last Olympic qualifying tournament, the head coach and trainer for the American Samoa Weightlifting Association (ASWA), Tomane Alo Fa’agu announced his best team to take up the challenge this week, reducing the number from eight to six local lifters.

The 2016 Oceania Weightlifting Championship is divided into three categories, which include the Youth, Junior and Senior Championships. The team selected to represent American Samoa is composed of three female and three male lifters.

Female athletes include the two-time gold medalist from the 2014 and 2015 Oceania Championships in New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea, Orepa Talo; as well as Nade F. Ausage and Monica Afalava.

Male athletes are Tanumafili Malietoa-Jungblut; Malaki Sitagata Jr and newcomer Li’amatua Tufele Jr.

Unfortunately, two new lifters, Simi Atonio and Abel Lilomaiava — both seniors at Tafuna High School, who were a part of the team’s training squad since August last year — pulled out in March of this year due to their parental concerns.

Tomane said, “Lilomaiva and Atonio joined the team right after we returned from PNG last August, and these two young lifters were doing very well throughout our training, so I was surprised when they told me about their parents decision to stop them from joining the team’s training squad.”

For the team selected to represent American Samoa, three of them are competing in the Youth Championships, including Ausage in the women’s 75kg, Talo in the women’s 105kg and Sitagata Jr in the men’s 105+kg.

Tufele Jr is competing in the Junior Championships in the men’s 105kg, while Afalava, who is competing in the women’s 105+kg and Jungblut in the men’s 105+kg are competing in the Senior Championships.

A new member, Li’amatua Tufele Jr., of the American Samoa Weightlifting team is representing the territory in the 2016 Oceania Championships in Fiji this month. He’s seen here during training this week at the WAAS in Tafuna. [photo: AF]

“The team has being preparing for this huge event since August of last year when we returned home from the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea, and so far the team is 100% prepared, both physically and mentally,” said Tomane.

Asked what he expects from his team in Fiji, Tomane said that based on the latest final entries from other Pacific nations who are part of this competition he believes that his team will bring home medals — especially gold.

“I expect everyone to win medals based on the latest final entry from the Oceania headquarters in New Caledonia this week. The only thing that will make them win nothing — is if they don’t think they can do it,” said Tomane.

“So maybe one or two people won’t win medals if they have that mentality — but I truly believe they can all win medals in Fiji, if they believe in themselves and think positive.”

The Head Coach went on to say that their training has increased because he needs them to be strong, and he also wants them to know that earning a gold medal is not an easy task.

“I want them to feel the pain and how hard it is to become a winner. I can see them suffering physically, mentally and emotionally, but that’s how to become the best weight lifter. You have to suffer and feel the pain — but at the end, you will receive the gold medal that you have been fighting for,” said Tomane.

The newest member of the team, Tufele Jr., told Samoa News that it was his dream for a long time to be a part of the weightlifting sport in American Samoa. “I love this sport and it’s really great for keeping myself fit and strong.”

Asked about his main goal as a weightlifter, he said with a smile on his face that he wants to win a medal for his country, “but it will be really awesome if I win gold, who knows?”

Tufele Jr believes that whether he wins a medal of not it will not bother him because his journey has just begun.

“There are so many opportunities that lie ahead for me and this is just the beginning so I am looking forward to this huge event in my life and many others that follow. Entering in the weightlifting federation is the best choice I’ve made and the people who helped me get to where I am today I will forever be grateful,” he said. Tufele Jr is a senior at Kanana Fou High School.

South Pacific Watersports & Fitness’ 1st Annual Flag Day Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Run held this past Saturday was a big success — with the weather finally playing fair skies. 

Paula Stevenson-McDonald, owner of South Pacific Watersports & Fitness told Samoa News, “We are so happy that the weather held up so we could finally hold our event. We had to postpone the race twice, the first time due to lightning and flooding, the second time was due to cyclone Amos.”

She said, “As far as we know, this was American Samoa’s very first half marathon so we were determined to get it done. The participants were antsy, everyone was ready to run!”

In addition to the 13.1 mile half marathon, the event also held concurrent 10K (6.2 miles) and 5K (3.1 miles) races. “We wanted to make sure that we had shorter races for those who weren’t quite ready for the big race.” said Stevenson-McDonald.

Finishing first across the line for the half marathon and taking the gold for the men’s 20 – 39 years old division was Drew Yinling.

Yinling, who is a World Teach teacher, got off to a strong start hitting the hills in Mapusaga strong. Also in the lead pack was TRI For Your Life Triathlon winner Patrick McEntire. Yinling, McEntire and the rest of the participants navigated several flooded areas heading west towards Ili’ili. After circling past the golf course and completing the long airport road stretch, Yinling began to move ahead.

Drew Yinling took home the gold for the men’s 20- 39 years old division of the South Pacific Watersports & Fitness’ 1st Annual Flag Day Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Run held this past Saturday. Yinling is a World Teach teacher. [photo: TG]

Yinling finished the race with an impressive time of 1 hour, 47 minutes and 56 seconds.

McEntire took home the gold for the men’s 40 – 49 year old division with an equally impressive time of 1 hour, 49 minutes and 23 seconds.

“It was challenging. Starting off with the hills you really had to know your capabilities or risk burning yourself out right at the start. No dogs, which was nice. A little wet but that helped keep it cool.” McEntire said.

He added, “The atmosphere was great. Everyone was friendly and wanted to do it. It wasn't about who was going to win but about how much you could push yourself. All different levels of runners. For me it was all about pushing myself to see what I am capable of. I managed to hang with the young guns for half the race which amazed me. I thought it was a great event just like the others SPW has held. I will be back for more.”

Finishing first across the half marathon line for the women was Renee Sattler, who took home the gold for the women’s 20 – 39 years old division with a time of 2 hours, 6 minutes and 40 seconds. Tupou McEntire, the other half of the McEntire team, finished in second with a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes and 33 seconds.

Also participating in the half marathon, although not officially registered, was boxer George A. Tanoa Jr., who competed the course with a time of 1 hour, 45 minutes and 45 seconds.

South Pacific Watersports & Fitness holds these events to promote awareness of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), according to one of its officials. SPW hopes to encourage the community to fight back against obesity by making lifestyle changes, which include engaging in daily fitness-related activities and following a healthy diet.

This was the 5th event hosted by SPW.

Ipo Hemaloto was one of the participants of the South Pacific Watersports & Fitness’ 1st Annual Flag Day Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Run, which was finally held this past Saturday after the weather held up. SPW holds such events to promote awareness of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). [photo: TG]

For more information on upcoming races, call 633-3050 or visit their facebook page at facebook.com/SouthPacificWatersportsSamoa.

O le Liki Basketball a le itupa o Ali’i na fa’atautaia mo lenei vaitau o le Sisigafua e le Asosi Basketball a Amerika Samoa na fa’ato’a sailia siamupini i le afiafi o le aso To’ona’i i le faleta’alo Ekalesia Katotliko i Marist Tuai i Malaeloa ma sa fetaui ai le ‘au malosi a le Pago 1 ma le ‘au a le ATR.

O se maimoaga matagofie le amataga o lenei ta’aloga, aua sa iloga mai le tau fai lelei o itu e lua, ma ua le mautonu ai se mafaufau o se tasi na maimoa, po’o ai le ‘au a avea le talita i lena aso.

Peita’i i le faaiuga o le kuata muamua sa iloga mai e ‘ai silia le ali’i o Tom Tuimaseve o le Pago 1 ia Lynel Si’u lea sa ia mauaina le 4 ‘ai i le 6 a Tom. I le kuata lona lua, sa matele ai ina fa’aaoga e Pago 1 le latou tama faatuiumi lea o Aries Tuamasaga 6’6” i le tulaga center ae fetaui ma le center a ATR e na’o le 5-futu lona umi, e le’i tele i se pito le soso’o o ‘ai e 6. Peita’i na toe faliu mai ATR ma fesuia’i latou ta’alo maua ai lo latou avanoa e fa’afoea ai e i latou le malosi o le ta’aloga mo le kuata lona lua ma o’o ane i le afa o le ta’aloga ua tula’i mai ‘ai ATR 29 - Pago 1 e 26.

Peita’i e o’o ane i le kuata lona tolu sa toe fafoea mai ta’alo mata’ina a le Pago 1 ma tele ina latou fa’aaoga latou tama i totonu lea e tula’i mai ai Nissan, Ryan Samuelu ma Tom Tuimaseve, o iina na fiu ai le ATR e toe taumafai atu, ae ua fa’avave lava ona sofa’i mai le Pago 1 ma o’o ane i le fa’aiuga o le kuata tolu ua 14 ‘ai ua eseese ai ‘ai o Pago 1 ma le ATR.

I le amataga o le kuata mulimuli o le ta’aloga, na fesasia’i ai lava Nissan ma Ryan ma i’u ina fa’asalaina ai. Na una’i atu le ATR i le latou tama o Talanoa, ma i’u ai ina tutusa ‘ai o le ta’aloga 46-46 ae toe lua minute mae’a le ta’aloga atoa.

Na fa’amalosi atu Milton i lana ‘au ATR ina ia mautinoa toe minute ia fa’aaoga tatau, peita’i na faliu fo’i Wally Taufa’asau o le Pago 1 team ma fa’amalosi i lana ‘au, “sa le fo’i!” Na fafaga atu lava e le Pago 1 le latou tama a’ami o Tom ma fa’aoso ai ana togi soso’o e tolu i le toe minute o le ta’aloga, fafao uma, maua ‘ai o le ta’aloga, 52-46. Soso’o ma le togi a Lynel fafao maua ‘ai e 52-48.

1 le ‘ai na maua i le togi na afua mai le sala a le ali’i o Toloa Seti ma maua ‘ai o le ta’aloga e 52-49. Soso lea ma le sala a Talanoa togi ma maua ‘ai e 52-50. O ai lava na mae’a ai le ta’aloga ina ua le fafao le togi 3 a le ali’i o Esene na fa’amoemoe i ai le ATR e mae’a ai le ta’aloga ae toe 6 sekone o totoe o le taimi. Ina ua tau le polo i le rim o le mama ma pa’u ese sa matua fa’ataitaio tagata ma fa’amanuia Pago 1 o le siamupini fou o le Basketball Season 2016. O le susuga Tom Tuimaseve sa faalauiloaina o le tama ta’alo lelei o le ta’aloga faitaulia mo le sailia o le siamupini Basketball 2016 o ona ‘ai na maua e 20 ma rebounds 11.

Peita’i o le tama ta’alo lelei mo le Liki Basketball Flag Day 2016 ua taua’aoina aloa’ia lea i le susuga Lynel SJ Siu.

I le liki a tama’ita’i na fetaui ai le ‘au sa tulaga lua mai le ta’amilosaga le “Swoosh” ina ua latou fa’atoilaloina le ‘au numera tasi sa i ai o le “Ol’ School” i le latou sailiga siamupini i le aso To’ona’i fo’i na te’a.

Na amata mai lenei ta’aloga faitaulia, o tau fai sofa’i mai ta’alo a ‘au e lua ma fa’afaigata ai ona iloa patino po’o ai a ‘avea le manumalo i le fale i lena afiafi. O le tama’ita’i o Titi Manuma o se tasi e matua fafao so’o ana togi, ma iloga mai e le o fa’avaivai i le ta’aloga lea, peita’i, e sofa’i mai fo’i le tama’ita’i o Cindee Mailo ma maua ona ‘ai e 5 ma le 4 rebounds i le kuata muamua.

Peita’i i le afa o le ta’aloga ua tula’i mai le malosi fo’i o le sofa’i mai a Titi ma Alani Talapu ina ua sili o latou ‘ai i le 16-13. Peita’i na va’aia le vaivai teisi o le ‘au a Ol’ School ae o lo’o feoa’i solo lava vae o le Swoosh e le malolo ma i’u ai ina manuia le latou taumafaiga ma malo ai i le liki o lenei tausaga.

O le tama’ita’i o Allani Talapu o le Swoosh ua mauaina le MVP o lenei ta’aloga o le siamupini a tama’ita’i i le Basketball 2016.

O se vaaiga i le au malosi o le Swoosh lea ua manumalo i le siamupini o le Liki Basketball o le sisigafua i lenei tausaga i taaloga sa faia i le aso To’anai ua te’a. [ata: foa’i]

The King of the Rock 2 Boxing Championship event is just around the corner, and boxing fiva is mounting. Hosted by the American Samoa Boxing Federation (ASBF), in partnership with the American Samoa Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA), the second round for the event will feature two champions who are ready to defend their titles for the first time; while two titles from KR -1 are now open for challenge — having been vacated.

The two champions ready to defend their titles next week include Malae Aumaga of Mapusaga Fou Boxing Club, who holds the title for the heavyweight division, and Ofisa Talaimalo from the Maliu Mai Boxing Club, who holds the title for the super heavyweight division.

The two titles now open for challenge are the middle weight title won by Sui Palauni and the light heavyweight title won by Alofa Steve Mata’afa.

Palauni turned professional last month and won his first professional fight against Tony Iapesa of Samoa during the 2016 Flag Day International Boxing Championships between the two Samoas in a unanimous decision, while Mata’afa is no longer fighting under the umbrella of the ASBF. He is now with Toleafoa Henry Tavake’s boxing club. Toleafoa is also the president of the American Samoa Boxing Council (ASBC).

The King of the Rock Championships 2 for Olympic-Style Boxing will be held at the Pago Pago Youth Center on Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. The event will include six amateur bouts and four title matches.

Over ten boxing clubs around the island — all under the umbrella of the ASBF —are ready to take part in next week’s event.

Samoa News was able to speak with some of the coaches and boxers from the various ASBF boxing clubs that are preparing for King of the Rock Championships 2.

Heavyweight Division champion, Malae Aumaga (middle) from Mapusaga Fou Boxing Club, with one of his coaching staff (right) and the Director of the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs, Jonathan Fanene, after Aumaga won his title against Pasefika Ikitau during the 1st King of the Rock Championships in January 2016. He will defend his title in the in the King of the Rock 2 Boxing Championships next week. [photo: AF]

In an interview Leilua Aoao Tafa, who is the head coach for the Mapusaga Fou boxing club, told Samoa News that all of his boxers who are part of next week’s event are more than ready to take up the challenge.

“We’ve being training for over two months now and the whole team is ready both physically and mentally,” he said. “Enough fitness is the main weapon to win a fight, and that’s what we’ve been working on over the last two months of our training, and I know for sure that my team is ready to show what they have…”

Leilua noted, “This championship is a huge step forward to improve boxing in American Samoa, and for each fighter who is part of this event, he or she has to come well prepared for the challenge, not only to win his or her fight but also to entertain the fans, because the fans are paying… and they’re looking forward to watching a good fight.”

Of Aumaga defending his title for the heavyweight division for the first time, Leilua said, “He’s in good shape right now. I gave him some extra training and I believe that Aumaga is ready to defend his title next week.”

Head Coach and trainer for the Maliu Mai boxing club Sala Sanele told Samoa News this week that all eight of his fighters are ready to take the challenge, and he believes that based on the experience and the skills his fighters have, they will all return home winning all of their bouts.

Sala believes that these competitions between local boxing clubs will help to develop the sport on island, and will also help to prepare our local fighters to be fully equipped before heading out to compete in international level competition.

Many boxing fans told Samoa News that they’re looking forward to the second round of the King of the Rock championships next week, after watching the first round of  KR 1 last January.

“This event is a huge step forward for our local fighters who have the skills and the potential for the sport, to show what they have and get a chance to taste what other local fighters have,” said Peseta Filiga, a 56-year-old former boxer from Lauli’i.

Nine elementary schools — eight public and one private — have been chosen to be a part of the island wide “Just Play” - PE finals scheduled at the Soccer Stadium or DYWA gym on May 27, 2016 from 8:30am to 1:00pm., according to Vaiausia Talataina of the Department of Education’s Physical Education (PE) Division, who works with the Football Federation of American Samoa (FFAS) and the schools on this program.
 
Vaiausia said there was a total of 19 Elementary Schools in the “Just Play” program established four years ago in a partnership between the DOE- P.E. Division and the FFAS.
 
He said that the “Just Play” focus is for the students to stay active, fit, healthy lifestyle, and the Just Play program is all over the Pacific, NZ and Australia and other parts of the world. “The main focus of the Just Play is to have the kids exercise and not fall into eating food that will help them gain weight, and not want to go out to exercise. ”
 
Responding to Samoa News, Vaiausia said that DOE and FFAS believe that students can learn life-long lessons through playing sports, and such lessons include confidence, perseverance, dealing with competition and teamwork. 
 
“This year we have total of 12 public elementary schools on Tutuila, and three elementary schools in Manu’a. We also have one private school and that is St. Theresa, so that brings our total in the Just Play/PE program to 16 schools all together. Our partner FFAS sponsors and supports this program by providing equipment such as, soccer balls, cones to mark field, color vest for teams or uniforms, and other stuff. They also provide refreshments — water and snacks — whenever we have field days for the students. And if we don't have enough school buses to transport the students, they pay for outside buses to transport the kids.”
 
Vaiausia said they hold training to educate those teachers that are assigned by their school principals to work with the students. FFAS also provides a small allowance and meals for those who are in attendance.
 
He said Rueben Luvu from FFAS and officials with DOE - PE Division go together to visit the schools that are under the program. “This visit is to assist and to observe how the program is going in the schools and if they need any assistance from us then we help them during our visit.” A teacher’s manual is distributed to teachers for the Just Play curriculum during teacher training and this is to help the teachers “to follow what lesson the students will need to motivate them to stay active and fit, so they can live and enjoy life without and health issues.”
 
According to Vaiausia this year they selected eight public schools and St. Theresa to their island wide Just Play/PE finals. “There will be awards given out to the top 9 schools, and all the awards will be provided by FFAS.”
 
He also used the opportunity on behalf of DOE/PE Division to thank FFAS for their support in assisting us to let our children to be aware that if they enjoy to eat— they need to get out and exercise.
 
Also this program comes as a reminder to all the teachers out in the schools that students need to have PE. “We appreciate the support from CEO Tavita Taumua, the President and Board members of FFAS for the support, and Rueben Luvu Technical Directors of Soccer, Puna Tanielu and the staff at Elementary School Division for there support, and also to OCI Assistant Director Netini Sene for her trust and support and especially to the schools Principals, the teachers with Just Play, and finally all the students who are involved.
 
“And last is to our Deputy Philo Jenning and the Director of DOE for their support,” Vaiausia said.

Samoa coach Damian McGrath has attributed his side's surprise win against Fiji to self belief.

The side were trailing 26-7 at half time, but came roaring back scoring 22 unanswered points to win 29-26, taking out the Paris leg of the World Rugby Sevens series.

McGrath says he's always maintained that once his talented squad had faith in themselves, then they would start to get results against the very best teams.

In spite of a few days of uncooperative weather, American Samoa has just chalked up another stellar sporting event; this one held here for the 17th time—the Steinlager I’a Lapo’a Game Fishing Tournament. And in spite of his many duties as tournament chair, Peter Crispin graciously gave a few minutes to Samoa News last Friday, where he shared a bit of the tournament’s history.
 
He’s lived and worked in the Territory for decades. With successful businesses and numerous community service projects under his belt, Crispin is still a humble man with a genuine enthusiasm for the people and place he calls home.
 
He is also an avid game fisherman who turned his passion into action.
 
For the past five or six years, Crispin, owner of the Tool Shop, has been the Chairman of the Steinlager I’a Lapo’a Game Fishing Tournament. It is an event which he said started out small... “for the first couple of years, it was just a local tournament,” but 17 years later, our tournament has “gone international” and boasts great fishing and wonderful prizes, while earning praise from the fishermen of at least three nations.
 
This is the 17th such event, and according to Crispin, it is something many Pacific game fishers look forward to each year.
 
He noted that in the beginning, “it was just a few of us local game fishers,” but a year or two before the tsunami, they decided to go international and invited a group of “White Pointer” boats from New Zealand. (A White Pointer is a custom alloy fishing boat created by boatbuilders based in Gisborne, New Zealand. The White Pointer range of boats are built and tailored specifically to the requirements of the fisherman, according to their website.)
 
“The “White Pointer” fishermen came first to independent Samoa, for the Samoa Gamefishing Tournament— and we followed the Samoa tournament with our own... so fisherman could come up and enjoy both events.” (Samoa News should point out that marketing both Samoas together has been a win-win situation in other endeavors, such as the Samoana Jazz Fest).
 
Crispin has been part of the organizing committee since the beginning of the tournament, and he says many years have had great turnouts. With only a few exceptions, he said, most fishermen are return visitors “who thoroughly enjoy their stay here.”
 
The Pago Pago Game Fishing Association puts the tournament on each year, and Crispin says that even though it’s a lot of work, it’s worth it. A game fisher himself, Crispin says his favorite catch is yellow fin — “they put up a good fight- and of course, they’re delicious!!”
 
“This year, we have 22 total boats, 15 from overseas (including Samoa)” he said. “We are doing this to enhance and promote tourism... aside from the fishing, this is why we put the effort into it, because it’s such a great promotional event for tourism!”
 
He said that in New Zealand, “there is a great awareness of the tournament” and when he travels there, they always “pick up their ears” when he says he is from Pago Pago- “because they all know about the great fishing up here.”
 
Asked for any notes on the tournament thus far?  He said,”This tournament has been a little difficult due to the weather.  This year we had to cancel the Ladies & Juniors Day - with much regret - because of the choppy seas.”  They planned to finish up on Saturday to make up for the days they lost.
 
The big awards ceremony was held on Saturday evening at DDW restaurant, where American Samoa’s fishermen shined.
 
Some of the prizes included— of course—a prize for I’a lapo’a (the biggest fish), along with a prize for the winning team. Prizes included $3000 for the biggest fish and $4500 for the winning team.
 
This year’s first place prize for top team was awarded to the ALIA crew from American Samoa, led by Fano Shimasaki and Sepp Steffany.
 
In addition to a cash prize, the winning team also earns themselves an invitation to the IGFA Offshore World Championship to be held this year in Costa Rica, which is a prestigious, “invitation only” game fishing tournament.
 
“Our club has been an IGFA (International Game Fishing Association) member for several years, which qualifies the winning team for an invitation,” he explained.
 
The Biggest Catch of the Tournament Award belonged to Mike Apted, also of the ALIA crew from American Samoa.  His 431lb black marlin was a true I’a Lapo’a!
 
The Sau Ia! team from American Samoa, led by Captain Rodney Reid were named the 2nd Place Team in the overall tournament.
 
The American Samoa Visitors Bureau Perpetual Trophy for the most species caught was awarded to Andy Wearing and his crew on Double Hooked from American Samoa – a "back to back" title holder for this tournament here on island.
 
The Sportsmanship Award went to the oldest angler, Eddy Harrison of the Mawhai team from New Zealand who is 88 years old, while the youngest angler registered, Peter E. Reid IV of the Sau Ia! team from American Samoa (age 13 years) placed 8th overall from over 90 participants.
 
Crispin said he is very grateful for the support they have received in the community. “We couldn’t do this without our sponsors!  Steinlager, the American Samoa Visitors Association, 93KHJ, Star-Kist, Sadie’s Hotels, Asco Motors, Industrial Gases, Island Cargo Support and Samoa News—to name just a few on the list - over 30 tremendous sponsors came to our aid.” (The full list will be seen in the Thank You ad ).
 
He also noted overseas sponsors such as Matson, which gave significant support. ASG agencies to thank included the Governor’s Office, Dept. of Commerce and Port Authority.
 
“I would like to emphasize it is a “team effort” to put this together.”
 
Any final words? “Yes! Everyone is enjoying this tourney! It’s great for tourism- people come here to enjoy themselves and they do spend money…. they get out and put a lot of money into the economy when they’re here.  This is what tourism is all about—at the end of the day, we have something to offer here.”
 
Samoa News understands that several visiting boats from New Zealand such as Brave Hart , B-Caus Viking and Wayleggo are all staying on for a few extra days to relax, fish and enjoy themselves. “And one of the boats from Samoa comes here three or four times a year because the fishing is so good!”

This Saturday, May 21, 2016 — the American Samoa Boxing Federation will bring you their second boxing event for your enjoyment, the King Of The Rock Championship 2, sanctioned by the American Samoa Boxing Commission. Eight local boxing clubs on island will be participating and it will be hosted at the Department of Youth and Women Affairs (DYWA) Gymnasium in Pago Pago.

Samoa News spoke with ASBF’s Zena Iese, who told Samoa News that “like the first one, our goal has always been to give our athletes a stage to hone their skills and showcase them to our people – we want to get the community involved in the progress of our athletes.”

He said, “Our aim is to secure and promote sponsors who in turn help fund our competition and a couple of stipends for our athletes that greatly aid them and their clubs in securing boxing gear, training, and competition, all to help build up of future Olympic-style boxing athletes.”

According to Iese, “In the past, our local clubs and Olympic-style boxers would have competitions based on a 1- 3 year turnover — but seeing this as we worked to revamp our boxing federation, we’re looking at a 3- 5 month turnover for competitions so that it gives our boys and girls something to aspire to.”

He added, “The more chances we give them to compete — the better our chances are at taking that competition to the world stage like Oceania, World, and Olympic Championships.”

Iese told Samoa News that they've also added into the event some ideas to improve the interest of local boxers in the sport, like the addition of belts that were featured in their first event. “The addition of perpetual championship belts was our aim to give this competition more meaning for the athletes, to get them serious about their sport, but at the same time, give them a chance to enjoy it as well.”

When asked if there are any fighters in ASBF that are near professional skill set level, Iese said “there are a lot of explosive and exciting boxers on this fight card, for our King Of The Rock Championship 2. Each championship match is composed of our top-notch guys who you'll definitely want to see in action.

He said, “Most notably, keep an eye on our current Super Heavyweight Champion, Ofisa Talaimalo of Maliu Mai Boxing Club, as he defends his title against Robert Toilolo of Ghost Kombat.” According to the ASBF official, Toilolo is a 2013 AIBA World Boxing Championship Veteran, coming off a one-year break from the sport.

He added, “Another one you'll want to watch is our heavyweight championship title being defended by Malae Aumaga Mamea of No Fear Boxing Club — who is being challenged by Johnny Banse of the Pago Eagles Boxing Club. Since the competition venue is in Pago, Mamea will be on Banse's home grounds, so it'll be interesting to watch how those two go at it.”

As to their lower weight class title fights, Iese said, “Our Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Championship matches aren't pushovers either. Seeing as we've got hungry guys there waiting to hoist those belts over their shoulder in victory — being that we are governed by our parent federation known as AIBA, our boxers have yet to aim for going “Pro” within AIBA’s pro boxing circuit, but for the majority of our boxers, they are currently already classified as elite boxers under AIBA regulations.”

Samoa News also asked Iese, if there is another Heat Man in the making with what they've seen so far in our local competition. The last big name to come out of the territory of American Samoa in terms of boxing is the Heat Man, Alapati A'asa, who is now professionally based out of New Zealand, under the management of Va'aiga Lealuga Tu'igamala.

Iese said, “Heat Man is a big name to live up to, I'd recommend that everyone watch our championships and judge for themselves who can follow in his footsteps or become a name unto themselves.”

He added, “That's the whole beauty of these events, we are helping create heroes from our very own homegrown athletes — I can honestly say all eight fighters in the King Of The Rock Championships 2 rounds are who you all need to keep an eye on — anything can happen on that day.”

Samoa News asked Iese what the federation plans to do with the income they'll be receiving for this night, and he said, “The money we collect is generally aimed at helping us purchase a new AIBA certified boxing ring, so that we can use it to host our events all over the island — which allows us more competition time.”

According to Iese, ASBF will “pay off our membership fees with AIBA, our membership fees with Oceania, and recover costs for paying our membership fees with our local American Samoa National Olympic Committee.”

He said, “the simplest way to put it is, the money collected from these championships help keep our ASBF clubs, coaches, and athletes become officially certified to compete on the local, national, and international stages of the world.”

Aside from the action happening this Saturday, Iese said that they are still inviting anyone interested to joining their federation “and build a club of your own, as long as you're within our parent federation, (AIBA) guidelines.” They can be reached for more details at (684)-258-2699 or email americansamoaboxingfederation@yahoo.com.

Iese also mentioned that a King Of The Rock Championship 3 is tentatively planned for August 2016 – “so you don't want to miss out.”

Iese noted, “We want to thank Honorable Governor Lolo Moliga for re-establishing the American Samoa Boxing Commission to monitor and aid in furthering the progress of boxing in American Samoa. We as an Olympic-style federation are able to take our sport to the next level here in American Samoa.”

“We’d also like to thank two of our major sponsors, TMO Beverage Plus and Shape Up Samoa Sports Fitness,” he said, adding, “We want to thank our families, supporters, and fans for always believing in us through thick and thin, we'll never forget you.”

Iese concluded with thanks to the Chairman of the American Samoa Boxing Commission, Sen. Tuiasina Silosega Esera “for sanctioning our ASBF events” and to the DYWA Director, Jonathan Fanene and his staff “for letting us rent out their facility for this event on Saturday.”

He said, “We highly recommend all American Samoa Sports National Federations to see DYWA about getting your events hosted, they are great at making it happen and will work with you to make the transaction smooth as possible.”

 To enter and watch the fights this Saturday, Iese said that they've made it convenient for everyone to just “pay at the door – our low entrance fee of $5 for adults and $2 for kids ages 13 and under.”

The King Of The Rock Championship 2 is scheduled to start at 2pm, with doors opening at 1:30pm. The show will be a 4-hour event for everyone, at the DYWA Pago Pago Sports Gymnasium.

The FFAS 7-A-Side tournament is off and running with the third Match Day to be held this coming Saturday, May 21, at Pago Park Soccer Stadium.

2014 was the last time the association held this format with Lion Heart winning the men’s championship and the Tafuna Jets taking the women’s title.

MEN’S DIVISION

Lion Heart (left) and Green Bay opponents battle in the air for possession of the ball during Match Day 1 of the 2016 FFAS 7-A-Side tournament on May 7, 2016 at Pago Park Soccer Stadium. [FFAS MEDIA/Brian Vitolio]

Nine clubs are participating in the men’s division with Pago Youth fielding two teams to bring the total to 10.

Ilaoa & To’omata are in the lead with 12 points from a 4-0 record and are tied with Pago Youth A. The Leone-based squad is No. 1 due to goals differential (20-17) while Utulei Youth is third.

2014 champions Lion Heart are fourth, followed by the Tafuna Jets at No. 5 with Royal Puma FC at No. 6 and Vaitogi United at No. 7. Green Bay, PanSa FC and Pago Youth B occupy the final three spots.

WOMEN’S DIVISION


There are six teams competing in the women’s bracket.

PanSa FC is the sole leader in the division with a 4-0 record, followed by 2014 winners Tafuna Jets at No. 2.

Utulei Youth is third with seven points, followed by Lion Heart with four, Green Bay with three and Ilaoa & To’omata with one.

If nothing else, #4 IBF Joseph Parker (19-0, 16 KOs) proved that he had the better engine than the 35-year-old Carlos Takam (33-3-1, 25 KOs) in outworking him to win an unimpressive 12 round unanimous decision on Saturday night in their IBF heavyweight eliminator bout at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau City, New Zealand.

The win for the 24-year-old Parker makes him the IBF mandatory challenger to champion Anthony Joshua. Never the less, Parker is going to need to have much better stamina if he wants to beat Joshua because he looked lacking in that department last night in his win over Takam.

The judges’ scores for the Parker-Takam fight were 116-112, 116-112, and 115-113. Those were pretty fair scores for Takam. I had Parker winning 9 rounds to 3. The only rounds I could give Takam were rounds 1, 5 and 9. Takam was simply outworked in the other rounds by Parker.

It’s not that Parker was throwing a lot of punches to win the rounds. He wasn’t throwing a lot of shots. It was that Takam was just too lazy throughout the fight by not being busy and just letting Parker win most of the rounds by doing a little bit more. Parker’s stamina looked poor, but Takam’s was far worse.

Each time Takam would appear to win a round by throwing a lot of punches, he would then do absolutely nothing in the next four rounds, as if he needed to rest from the exertion of throwing a lot of shots. Takam looked like he did not have the stamina to fight hard round after round. That’s basically the entire reason Parker won the fight. It wasn’t because he did a great job. He was just a little bit busier than Takam.

The taller 6’4” Parker used his jab to keep the shorter 6’2” Takam on the outside for most of the fight. Parker had the better hand speed of the two, and he was able to nail Takam with left-right combinations, short left hooks and jabs all night long.

In Takam’s best round of the fight, he backed Parker up constantly in round five and punished him with shots to the head and body. Up until that point in the contest, Parker had been able to dominate four of the first five rounds with his sharp combinations. However, Takam’s pressure in the 5th round had Parker looking both unnerved and very tired. Parker was clearly there to be knocked out in this round if Takam had been able to land the perfect shot. Parker backed up much of the time in the round to try and escape the heavy pressure from Takam.

It looked for the most part like Parker was on a full scale retreat through the three minutes of the round. The tide of the contest had changed in this round with Takam taking control. However, Takam failed to take advantage of the situation in the following rounds, as he fought in a lazy manner, waiting too much and not letting his hands go.

It had to have been frustrating for Takam’s corner to work with him in this fight, because he just didn’t have engine to throw the punches that he needed to for him to win. The victory was there for Takam if he had been able to fight hard for three minutes of every round, but he simply could not do it for some reason.

Former San Francisco 49ers Head Coach James Joseph Harbaugh, who is the Head Coach for the University of Michigan “Wolverines” football program, will be coming to American Samoa to host camps for football prospects here on island. Leading the effort to bring down HC Jim Harbaugh and his group of coaches and NFL players are Michigan’s Director of Player Personnel, Tony Tuioti and Samoa Bowl’s Lealao Melila Purcell with the assistance of numerous government agencies and the private sector in American Samoa. 
 
The camps are a part of the ongoing Satellite Camps that will include Hawai’i, Australia, and American Samoa.
 
Lealao, who is also director of the Department of Agriculture, said the main purpose of this effort is that “the Honorable Governor of American Samoa has always had the intention of helping athletes and the youth to get to the next level – with his support. Sending our high school all-star team to the JPS in Hawai’i was evidence of his commitment to the youth of American Samoa.”
 
He added, “Not only that, the more we do these things and accept these colleges coming to our shores — the more opportunities are there for these kids to get college scholarships. We want to be able to enjoy the luxury of these coaches coming from off-island.”
 
Lealao told Samoa News that the University of Michigan would be holding two separate camps on island, with two groups to arrive separately — one at the beginning of June, and the other at the end of June.
 
The first U-M group will be led by Tony Tuioti, and they are scheduled to enter the territory on May 30th, with their camp sessions scheduled to begin June 1st.  They will be working specifically with the high school age group.
 
He said, “The first group will be here for three days to hold camp sessions on island, then they will depart the territory for Samoa — where they will head for Melbourne, Australia to continue their scheduled recruitment route before returning back to Michigan to prep for the upcoming football season.”
 
Lealao told Samoa News that the sessions for this group will be hosted at the Veterans Memorial Stadium in the evening — upon request from our local coaches, to give the underclassmen a chance to complete their academic tests.
 
He said, “The second group will arrive in American Samoa on June 27, with their camp sessions to start immediately the following day, and that group will be led by University of Michigan’s, Head Coach Jim Harbaugh — he will be bringing down his coaching staff as well as Isaac Sopo’aga, who played for Harbaugh during his time with the San Francisco 49ers.
 
“This second group led by Harbaugh will be mainly focused on the younger age group programs — the American Youth Football of Samoa (AYFS) level, and the Junior Prep Sports (JPS) level. I guess Harbaugh wants to start early and take a look at what’s available coming down the pipe, and schedule a recruiting process for the future — during my discussion with Tuioti, he told me that Harbaugh is excited to come down.”
 
Lealao explained that both groups will be hosted by the Samoa Bowl Committee, DoA and the Department of Youth & Women Affairs. A cultural feast or ‘aina’ prepared by DoA will serve as welcome for each group as they arrive. The second group led by Harbaugh will however also be greeted with a traditional Samoan ‘ava’ ceremony, along with activities scheduled to host the group, such as a meeting with Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga.
 
According to the Samoa Bowl official, these football camp sessions are free of charge to the youth of American Samoa, and to the public.
 
He said, “We’re not charging anything, because we want the kids to enjoy the experience. I’ve already met with the high school coaches about trying to gather and bring in all interested youth members from their counties and districts so that no one gets left behind.
 
“ As for the younger age group, I am planning to meet with the board members for the AYFS and JPS football programs, in trying to organize and expand their horizon in trying to include all the younger generations of American Samoa who are interested in playing the sport, so that everyone can get involved,” Lealao said.
 
He advised for all the youth and student athletes on island who are interested in being part of this event – please look to your nearest high school football team, or AYFS/JPS teams to join and come together as a group to attend these sessions.
 
EQUIPMENT DONATION
 
“Tuioti and the University of Michigan are keeping close contact with ICS Cargo about the equipment they want to bring down to American Samoa, and we are trying our best to get the equipment here, before coach Harbaugh and the rest of his coaches arrive late next month — so they can do their own presentations to the high schools as well as the younger football programs,” Lealao said.
 
This is being done with the help of Tony Feist and ICS Cargo Shipping Company. Lealao added, “There is some other football equipment that Sam Atoa has committed to bring us, and that container is being filled right now up in Utah.”
 
The Samoa Bowl official wanted to acknowledge and thank the people supporting this effort.
 
“Foremost is a special thanks to our Honorable Governor and Lt. Governor and their Office for their huge support in this effort – in partnership with Samoa Bowl is the DYWA, the Sports Complex and Director Tole’afoa Henry Tavake and the Veterans Memorial Stadium for allowing us to hold these camps on their field – I know Tavake is trying to improve the field and the facilities there as well, but he took the courtesy of allowing us this time to have these camps.”
 
Lealao concluded, “Along with Tony Feist and ICS Cargo we also want to thank the Women in Sports — and a special thanks to the high school coaches and their athletes, as well as the AYFS and the JPS football programs, and their coaches and their athletes. Those are some of the people we want to say thank you to for coming through and providing assistance. We’re excited, but we’ll just wait for the time when they come in, and we’ll take it from there.”

World record holder Mary Opeloge of Samoa defied all odds to take home a gold medal from the 2016 Oceania Weightlifting Championship at Vodafone Arena in Suva yesterday.

Opeloge set the world record in the 75 kilogram in senior category. Her record stands at 243kg set in 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland. Her record also includes snatch of 110kg, clean and jerk of 161kg set in 2013 and 2014.

Opeloge was dissatisfied with her performance as she had a lift of 225kg including a snatch of 103 and clean and jerk of 122kg.

"I am disappointed with myself because I felt I was off in the competition," she said. -

Australia's Jenna Myers and Camilla Fogagnolo won silver and bronze respectively.

In the youth category, America Samoa's Orepa Talo won gold and Samoa's Feagaiga Stowers and Nauru's Fe-male Grundler settled for silver and bronze.

In the junior catergory, New Caledonia's Julietta Mafutuna won gold and America Samoa's Jennade Ausage settled for silver while New Zealand's Frandi Aotea Te Arai came third.

The American Youth Football of Samoa (AYFS) All-Star Football Team is heading to San Diego, California this summer for the first time, to compete in the 4-day GridIron National Championship Tournament scheduled to kick off on June 23 and end on June 26, 2016. Our local All-Star team is scheduled to depart the territory on June 17, flying directly to San Diego, to return on June 29th.

Samoa News interviewed AYFS President Victor Avalos, who said that they have been guaranteed to play “Two games, and if we win, we will advance to playing in the elimination rounds. The schedule should be available next month to our understanding – there will also be teams coming from Nevada and Arizona just to name a few, not to mention Cali's All-Star team.”

According to Avalos, the coaching staff working with the team is made up of our AYFS teams staff. Taking the reins this year as the AYFS All-Star Head Coach will be Sila Poasa Jr., who is also a board member of AYFS. Assisting Poasa will be Offensive Coordinator Keith Leuta and Sa Suluai. Supervising their defense will be Defensive Coordinator Shawn Togia and Barry Patane.

Avalos said that the selection of this year’s AYFS All-Star Team was done “by each of the six teams’ head coaches and was based on good conduct, positive attitude, and character. These were the weighing factors for selection.”

AYFS All-Star Offensive Unit getting their work in for the day, during practice at Faga'alu Park last Wednesday evening – in preparation for their upcoming trip to San Diego, California to compete in the GridIron National Championship Tournament. [photo: TG]

Samoa News asked Avalos how the expenses for the trip are being covered — airfare, accommodations & meals — and he replied, “Our program is a non-profit organization, the funding we receive during the season covers the operational costs. This trip is being funded through fundraising events.”

He added, "Each player, coach, and staff was responsible for an initial deposit of $250, while we worked as a team to fundraise the remaining balance.”

Avalos told Samoa News that one airfare ticket alone cost approximately $1,500 per person – and for a group of 40 people all together, they are looking at approximately $60k for their overall airfare as a team. He said, "In addition, expenses for lodging, meals, ground transportation, and uniforms – our goal is to raise $100k.”

He said, “We understand the economic challenges – but see the importance of investing and exposing our youth to opportunities through the sport of football. We are still short on our goal of $100k – so far, our group has raised 1/3rd of what we are aiming for, and we did it through selling raffle tickets, car washes, and coupon card sales.”

According to Avalos, they also have an online fundraising page www.fundly.com/ayfs.

“We have sent our solicitation letters to businesses off-island, including the local government. We appreciate any donation, large or small from our families, friends, community, businesses and the government.”

Avalos said, "The main goal of this trip is to expose our student athletes to competitions in the mainland and to make it easier for those coaches to see our youth first hand – we'd like to use this trip to network and possibly provide more opportunities for our players, coaches, and our overall program.”

He said, “Student athletes in our age group (12- 14yrs old) are already being looked at and being offered scholarships in the mainland. AYFS figures, why not us? Part of our itinerary is to take our team on field trips to various high schools and college campuses in order to show them what to expect, and shoot for something to strive for.”

The AYFS President is asking the public for their help in their fundraising efforts. “AYFS is taking a combined team from each of our six teams – representing all of American Samoa. This is the first team of this age group to attend a tournament of this level, and we are seeking assistance from our community to help make this a reality for our youth.”

“Please look out for our fundraisers and know that every dollar counts – it’s for a good cause as our motto 'all for the kids!'” he said.

Avalos pointed out that the “AYFS has been in American Samoa since 2009, and is a local non-profit organization. We have survived over the years because of the local businesses and community at large. Our parents, players, and especially our coaches work hard and come together because of the kids."

He concluded,"We will continue to improve each year and provide an avenue for our youth to learn sportsmanship, build character while having fun learning the fundamentals of football — we would like to thank all our sponsors and supporters.”

For more information on how to help donate funds to AYFS for this effort, please contact the AYFS Board at (684)-770-2937 or (684)-731-1570. You can also email them at ayfsamoa@gmail.com– Facebook page AYFSamoa.

For online donations, please go to www.fundly.com/ayfs– thank you!

A look at your American Youth Football of Samoa (AYFS) All-Star Football Team that will be representing American Samoa in the upcoming GridIron National Championship Tournament next month. They will depart the territory for San Diego California on June 17, and are scheduled to return near the end of the month. [photo: TG]

A Samoan is making headlines in the collegiate world of athletics and much to everyone’s surprise, it’s not a male.
 
Selina Ivasina Ta’amilo’s powerful Samoan arm has made her a sensation across the country.
 
A member of the UCLA Bruins’ softball team, Selina is a sophomore whose roots are in the small westside village of Futiga. She is the daughter of Annie and Ed Ta’amilo, and granddaughter of the current Chief Election Officer Uiagalelei Lealofi.
 
Her uncle, Leifi Chaira Uiagalelei is proud of his niece, as evident in his excitement yesterday afternoon when he spoke to Samoa News. “She’s a daughter of American Samoa and she’s a great softball player,” he said of Selina.
 
According to Leifi, Selina’s parents are leaving their California home for Oklahoma City today, to join the rest of the Bruins’ cheering squad at the big game.
 
The road to the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) wasn’t easy for the Bruins, who had to win twice against Oregon in order to advance.
 
Selina and the Bruins did not disappoint. UCLA defeated the Oregon Ducks 2-1 in two games and their next match-up will be against the #4-seeded Auburn Tigers today at 11:30a.m. (Pacific Time) in a rematch of last year’s WCWS.
 
Born in Anaheim, CA, Selina is a 6-ft. pitcher who shined bright during her high school years at Vista Murrieta.
 
According to UCLA’s website, Selina was “named All-Pac-12 Freshman Honorable Mention last year, was 6-2 with a 3.28 earned run average (ERA), and 61 strikeouts in 70 1/3 innings, adding three saves which tied for the team lead.”
 
She played in two Women’s College World Series games and earned her first collegiate victory against Indiana on February 19th, when she struck out eight batters in four innings.
 
Selina has two brothers: Sapule and Edward, and she is currently an undeclared major, with the career objective of being a physical therapist.
 
Samoa News wishes Selina the best of luck. Go Bruins!

Former All Black and Warratahs coach Daryl Gibson has joined the Manu Samoa ranks as a Technical Advisor.

He is among a raft of changes announced by Head Coach, Namulauulu Alama Ieremia at the beginning of the week, as the Manu Samoa kicks into gear for their home test match against Georgia next Saturday.

Gibson is joined by Richard Watt of the Hurricanes who is the new Assistant Coach as well as Grant Henson of Counties Manukau who has been recruited as the Manu Samoa’s new Set Piece coach.

Speaking about the changes, Namualuulu said he was excited about a new era for Manu Samoa. He said the arrival of quality coaches like Gibson, Watt and Henson will bring a new dimension to the Manu Samoa as they look to begin afresh after the disappointment of the last World Cup.

The coach also announced the decision to recruit Manu Samoa hardman, Kane Thompson as one of the Team’s analysts. Daniel Parks, an Australian is onboard as the Skills Coach. The team will be Managed by Brian Hoply.

Namulauulu insists this is a new Manu Samoa team and it is important to get off to a good start with a clear vision of what to achieve considering the huge expectations of the Samoan people and fans across the globe.

Namulauulu says most of the overseas based players are expected to be in Samoa by the end of the week when their club season ends.

The JR Prep Sports (JPS) inaugural football league came to an exciting close last Saturday with a nail-biting championship title game that literally came down to the wire.
 
The Faga’itua Vikings came out ready to take home the championship title but the Tafuna Warriors were not going to lie down and just hand it over.
 
As a matter of fact, until that last play was over and done with, and the referee blew the whistle, it seemed as if the young Vikings had let their frustrations get the best of them and Tafuna was going to sneak in and claim the title.
 
The day started off with a one-sided win by the Leone Lions, defeating the Samoana Sharks 28-6. The young Sharks were outplayed — perhaps because of the glaring fact that most of their players were young and small in stature - but they didn’t hang their heads. In fact, the whole squad was all smiles during the awards ceremony, which followed the championship game between the Vikings and the Warriors.
 
The first play of the championship game was dedicated to the late Pio Grohse, a former Faga’itua High School principal and Vikings football coach who passed away earlier this month.
 
Vikings head coach Suaese Pooch Taase, told Samoa News that the first play of the game was Grohse’s favorite one and they thought it was fitting to utilize that play as a tribute to a man who dedicated a good part of his life to Faga’itua HS - both in and out of the classroom.
 
During the first half of the game, the ball moved back and forth and both teams showed good defense in stopping the other from scoring. However, towards halftime, the Vikings managed to score a touchdown but were unable to score the two-point conversion.
 
The score was 6-0 Vikings at the half.
 
As the third quarter was winding down, the Warriors were finally able to get the ball in the end zone for a touchdown of their own. The score was then tied at 6-6 and it remained that way for a while, until the Vikings came back and scored another touchdown, taking them to a 12-6 lead.
 
A field goal brought the extra point that boosted them to a 13-6 lead heading into the final minutes of the game. Just when it seemed that the Vikings had sealed the deal, the Warriors got the crowd on their feet when they scored with only a few seconds left on the game clock.
 
This came after the Vikings were called on a couple of penalties that cost them several yards. Tafuna managed to capitalize and inch their way towards the end zone for a last minute touchdown that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
 
Unbelievable. The score came just as time had expired and now everyone was anxious to see if the Tafuna coaching staff was going to opt for the field goal to tie the game, or go for the two-point conversion to win the game.
 
With the season dependent on this last play, everyone held their breath as the young amped-up Warriors set themselves up for a play that could ultimately win the game.
 
But it was not to be. The ball came up only inches short of the goal line and as the referee blew the whistle and waved his hands back and forth - signaling a ‘no good’ on the try - the Vikings coaching staff, as well as the fans in the stands, the players on the field and the sidelines were jumping for joy, knowing that they had just made history, becoming the first ever JPS champions.
 
Those who were at the Veterans Memorial Stadium to witness the game were thrilled with what they had just seen. “This is better than our local high school match-ups,” one parent said with a smile on her face. “These kids played with a lot of heart and energy,” another parent commented.
 
Following the game, a special awards ceremony was held, to honor the participants and present them with some gifts that included a bag, a t-shirt, and a trophy.
 
Even the coaches were presented with parting gifts.
 
JPS founder Robert Faleafine, in his remarks, stressed the importance of academics and reminded the young players that getting good grades is far more important than playing football. He talked about how some kids who are playing football now, may never play football in the future and that is why it is important to keep their focus on education, so they always have that to fall back on.
 
Faleafine and his wife Jill are business owners who made the JPS program available to local football players this year.
 
The JPS program is open to youngsters who are middle school aged and the goal is to teach them the basics of the game so when they get to high school, they have a knowledge of the fundamentals. Also, the program brings together youngsters so they can learn the importance of good physical health, sportsmanship, and teamwork.
 
According to Faleafine, close to 2,500 kids are enrolled in the JPS program in the Aloha State and the next big event for them is the Paradise Football Camp set to be held later this year in Hawaii.
 
Saturday’s event was sponsored by several local businesses including Paramount Builders, McConnell Dowell, Bluesky Communications, and Nana’s Inc.

Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, is optimistic that the Manu Samoa Sevens team has what it takes to secure the last remaining spot for the Rio Olympics.

Wishing Coach Damien McGrath, captain Tole’afoa Falemiga Selesele and the team the very best ahead of the last tournament in Monaco next week, Tuilaepa told the team they are just as good as any other team out there when they put their hearts and minds to the task.

Speaking during the farewell at the Samoa Tradition Resort on Thursday, the Prime Minister referred to the recent victory at the Paris leg of the World Sevens Series as an example of what the team is capable of.

“The way you won that Cup was extraordinary,” he said. “It shows that you have the ability to do it. You also showed from that tournament that you have the ability to qualify for the Summer Olympics 2016.”

Over time, Tuilaepa has noted vast improvement in the team since the rebuilding process with English coach, McGrath. He said while the team has the ability, simple mistakes have proven their undoing in the past.

But all that can change with hard work, confidence and composure in their ability and the game plan as well as faith in God, the Prime Minister said.

The tournament in Monaco presents the last opportunity for Samoa to qualify for the Olympics, having failed to secure a spot during the World Series as well as the Oceania Sevens Qualifying tournament which was won by Australia.

From the Oceania tournament, three teams have already secured their places in the 16 spots on offer. They are Australia, Fiji and New Zealand.

Some of the leading teams in Samoa’s way at Monaco include Canada, Russia and several other minnow countries capable of creating upsets on the day. At the last World Rugby Sevens tournament in London, Samoa lost to Canada, during the pool games where they failed to win a single game.

The week before, they had hoisted the Paris Sevens Cup after defeating Fiji in stunning fashion, for their first World Rugby Sevens Series title since 2012.

Despite the win, McGrath said getting to Rio remained their number one focus and the win in Paris would mean nothing if they don’t clinch the spot at Monaco.

“Our aim is still Monaco and the Olympic Games,” he said, referring to Monaco as “the real target for our season.”