The Ah Liki Wholesale hosted another Anchor Art competition at Samoa College Hall yesterday with the theme "Growing kids in Samoa and the Pacific".

Ah Liki Head of Sales, Losa Maiai-Wallwork said the competition aims to motivate students to expand their learning abilities. 

"There's a lot more artistic creativity out there and we want to encourage that and it's good to start at Primary level so by the time they get to secondary, it might be the best career choice for them," she said.

The anchor competition was divided into three categories: Years 3-4, Years 5-6 and the Years 7-8, with each category having three winners.

Three students from Sataoa, L.D.S. Middle School Pesega and St. Joseph PS Leauvaa were awarded the main prize of $1,000 and a trophy each.

Tiute Salevana of Sataoa Primary School, who won first place for the Years 3-4 category, said his soccer ball showcased his talent and love for football. 

"The ball made out of empty anchor plastic represents how much passion I have for soccer and I am just so grateful for this competition for allowing me to express myself," he said.

Mr. Salevana collected six packets of empty anchor milk packets, and with the help of his teachers, created a soccer ball. 

Principal of Sataoa Primary School, Mareta Tuigamala said she is super proud of Mr. Salevana's achievement. 

"Tiute is always good at soccer and I guess it was his talent from God to this sport. His also good and an obedient child in the classroom but nothing is more comparable when it comes to sports especially soccer so I am very grateful for the opportunity given to him to inspire his career in soccer," she said.

The prize for Years 5-6 category was awarded to a group of 12 girls from St. Joseph PS Leauvaa, who showcased an umbrella made out of empty anchor milk packets.

"Not only that, but it was our goal to push them to drink the milk for a healthy living and a healthy mind as we all know the importance of milk into our lives," Teacher Sister Fololia Sala said.

Winner of Years 7-8 was awarded to Laxmitania Tauti from LDS Middle School Pesega.

"I did not know the value of these arts until I realised that it is not only for fun but it's also one of those activities that delivers something outside of you that even you yourself did not expect," she said.

Ms. Tauti had spent one week preparing her work with the help of her parents, aunties and uncles, who bought milks from the shops so they could help her with her artwork. 

"I am so grateful that all my sweat and effort have been rewarded with this big amount of money that I will be able to pay back my parents and families for their support," she said.

Vaitele Uta Primary School, Vaiola Primary School Savaii and Malie Primary School were ranked second in the overall competition, with Sauniatu Primary School, Samoa Adventist Lalovaea and St. Therese's PS Lepea coming in third place. 

The Most Complex prizes were awarded to St. Mary's Primary School, Vaipua Fogasavaii and Manumalo Baptist Savaii.

Most Entries prizes were awarded to St. Peter's PS Falefa, St. Mary's PS Savalalo and Samoa Primary School