Malofie Group backs Pinktober

24 October 2017, 12:00AM

Traditional tattoo enthusiasts have showed their support for the fight against cancer in Samoa.

Liaifaiva Imo Levi, the President of Liafaiva Malofie, said they had organized the one-day Pinktober billiard 9-ball charity tournament to support cancer awareness. 

The tournament was held at the Api Sa o Liaifaiva at Aai o Niue.

“This will be an annual event and for this year’s fundraising, our first event all the proceeds will go to the Samoa Cancer Society and we will make our donation to them this week,” Liaifaiva Imo said. 

“The entire tournament operated on donations by members of the Liaifaiva Malofie. There were two categories, the singles and doubles.” 

“There were 16 teams and 16 individuals for the singles.” 

“This year’s theme is Pinktober and as you can see the players are in pink, even men who think pink is a feminine color, but they did not look at that.”

“They adhered to the theme of this year’s tournament,” said Liaifaiva Imo. 

The Tufuga emphasized the need for our women to adhere to the advice given by the Health Ministry, especially the ‘Vave’ campaign that is a part of the Pinktober campaign to promote early detection. 

“The three key Vave messages; VAVE ILOA, VAVE VAAI SE FOMAI and VAVE VILI MAI,” said Liaifaiva Imo. 

He then referred to the recent speech given by Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama, during the launch of the Pinktober earlier this month. 

Liaifaiva Imo told the Samoa Observer the need to heed the advice by the Minister of Health. 

“Dr. Tuitama said the Health Ministry has established a National Cancer Registry and this will provide invaluable assistance in obtaining vital national data for policy and decision making.” 

During his opening speech, Tuitama said risk of breast cancer could be minimized by avoiding exposure to common cancer risk factors, such as tobacco smoke. 

“This includes, not smoking, healthy diets, minimal or no alcohol, and keeping an active lifestyle.”

“The choices you make about diet, exercise, and other habits can affect your overall health, your state of well-being, as well as your risk for developing cancer and other serious life threatening diseases.” 

“I wish to stress however, that although risk reduction is vital, these strategies alone cannot eliminate deaths due to breast cancers.”

“Early detection in order to improve breast cancer outcome and survival remains a cornerstone of breast cancer control,” said the Minister of Health. 

Back to the tournament, Liaifaiva said their group comprised of supporters who received the traditional tattoo and those who had the love for the Samoan pe’a. 

“This is our first effort and we hope to expand it next year to a much bigger tournament given that it’s for a good cause.” 

“We had trophies for the winners of the single and double categories and prizes donated by the members.” 

“We also had a live band for entertainment by the awesome Fire Band.” 

“From the drinks to the lamb roast, to the finger food, everything was donated by the members given.” 

“It’s a clear indication they are ambitious people who are donating for a good cause,” said Liaifaiva Imo. 

The champions of the first Pinktober billiard 9-ball charity tournament for doubles are Team Pinkies: Lilomaiava Filifilia Iosefa and Noel Sanft. 

The second place winners are Team Rack Rack - Unasa Tauheia Levaai and Peni Ah Chong Luamanu. 

For the singles team, the first place winner was Sinamaitai Masi while second place was won by Lauvao Sepasitiano Senio.

24 October 2017, 12:00AM

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