The annual Tanoa Teuila Festival Bowling tournament was this year dedicated to encourage young athletes to take up the sport.

Hans Gabriel, one of the tournament organisers, said the focus of this year's tournament, was ensuring the future of a sport not traditionally associated with younger players. 

“The main purpose is to promote bowls in Samoa and to keep the sport alive but also encourage young people to join," he said.

“The tournament involved our local bowlers from three bowling clubs: Apia Bowling Club, Faleata Bowling Club and Tanoa Bowling Club with seven teams of triples.

“We also had overseas bowlers from New Zealand travelling over to participate over the past few years."

Mr. Gabriel added that they also wanted to keep the sport's local standard to an international level as they prepare for the upcoming World Bowls and Asia Pacific next year.

“Despite the effort put in every year to get this tournament running there is no recognition because of the lack of advertising and not acknowledging the people or sponsors who help get the tournament running," he said.

“I just want to thank our donors and sponsors for their support. The tournament was a success because of the support of our local major sponsors; Samoa Commercial Bank and Taula Beverages."

This year's competition ran from September 4 top 7 at Tanoa Bowling Club, Apia Park sport complex.

This year first place was won by Patrick Chan Cheuk, Mr. Gabriel and Hans Sr. Gabriel who received $1,200. Second place went to Magalei Taliopa, Feao Wright, and Lena Adams who claimed $900 prize money.

Third place went to Tyrone Peters, Lauano Peters and Solomona Faamaoni with $600 prize.