Vodafone Samoa has been named the official sponsor of Nafanua’s third annual Halloween regatta.

Nafanua Kalapu Alo Paopao announced the regatta will be held on Saturday 31 October at 1pm in front of Sails Restaurant at Mulinu’u. 

The annual event is free and open to the public and attracts local paddling clubs to compete in Halloween-themed costumes, for fun but competitive racing. 

In addition, this year’s regatta will feature a stacked business house competition in addition to professional-level inter-club races. 

A total of 20 local businesses and organisations have trained for four weeks in preparation for business house competition.

The teams will compete in short course races with heats, semifinals and a final. 

Local outrigger canoe clubs will also compete in mixed teams for open, junior and social levels. 

The Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Samoa, Nofoasaefa Satish Sharma stated that Vodafone supports both sports and the community.

“Therefore when the opportunity was proposed we did not hesitate to support Nafanua’s initiative for a Halloween business house regatta and to help shine more light on this amazing sport,” he said.

He added that the event being business house competition, Vodafone have got their teams ready.

“It is a way for Vodafone staff to get their feet wet and see if the sport is for them.

“We’re excited and want to extend a big fa’amalo to Nafanua Club for organising this event.

“This is only the beginning of a great relationship with our paddling community.”   

The Nafanua President, Tialino Taualai Fonoti said that paddling normally draws a smaller crowd compared to other more popular sports.

“However, we [Nafanua] are thrilled that our business house competition was well received. Halloween regatta is one of our club’s biggest annual events. 

“We are excited to have the support of Vodafone and other sponsors to help make this year’s Halloween Regatta the largest in the event’s history.”

Nafanua also acknowledged all its sponsors of this year’s regatta: Vodafone Samoa, Taula Beverages, Naydith Events Hirage, Sails Restaurant, Eyespy Radio, Urban Sounds and Samoa outrigger canoe association.

Nafanua also invites the public to attend weekly social paddling sessions in Mulinu’u.