Homecoming celebration for Vaimoso star
Home is where the heart is for discus thrower, Kasandra Salamasina Le Tafa’ifa Vegas.
There was no doubting that when the Hawaii-based athlete who has represented Samoa at a number of international competitions gathered with her family at Vaimoso during the weekend.
The event, hosted at the residence of the Eseras, was to welcome her home and to honour her achievements for Samoa.
Having recently graduated from the University of Sydney Australia with a Masters Degree in International Public Health, it was also an opportunity to acknowledge her academic achievements.
The daughter of Jeffrey Jon and Namulauulu Kerenakupu, of Vaimoso, is in Samoa with her parents for the holidays.
During Saturday’s gathering, Reverend Amosa Reupena, of the Congregational Christian Church at Vaimoso, conducted a short service to acknowledge God’s guidance over the life of Kasandra.
Board member of Athletics Samoa and Land and Titles Court Judge, Fiu Mesepi Sialaoa, was among the audience and she presented Kasandra with a certificate from the Oceania Athletics Association to honour her achievements.
Kasandra’s family also presented a trophy to Kasandra’s local coach, Tupai Vaovai, and the president of Athletics Samoa, Luatua Semi Epati, for their contribution in the development of Athletics in Samoa.
Sporting achievements for Samoa
2015 Pacific Games Bronze Medalist - Discus
2015 Pacific Games Bronze Medalist - Hammer Throw
2015 Oceania Championship Bronze Medalist - Hammer
2014 Oceania Championship Bronze Medalist - Hammer
2014 Oceania Championship Bronze Medalist - Discus
NCAA Big Sky Conference Women of the Year 2013
John Wooden Citizenship Cup Award Semifinalist 2013