The Saint Joseph’s College in Alafua will use their school inter-house sports carnival to select a squad for the upcoming school zones athletics competition.

Principal Brother Afaese Afaese confirmed in an interview with the Samoa Observer on Wednesday that the goal of their inter-house sports carnival is to identify talent and put together a squad for the school zones athletics competition.

"The main purpose of these athletics is to prepare St Joseph's College squad for the school's zones athletics which starts in the third term," he said.

"But St Joseph's preparations are now underway so we can identify those athletes whom we know are fit for athletics. 

“It is also for the reason that when the zone starts next term, Saint Joseph’s is already prepared for it, no more rushing for any last-minute preps.”

When this newspaper visited the college on Wednesday, the first part of the sports carnival had already been completed despite the heavy downpour.

The rain didn’t stop the athletics competition which had already gotten underway, and the excited students weren’t dissuaded by the bad weather. 

Brother Afaese said the college had used previous sports carnivals to identify students with sporting talent.

"With the past events, we were able to identify some of our school's great athletes who have qualified to be in our squad for this year,” he said.

“Like I said, the sole purpose is to identify our athletes not only for the track events but also for the field events. 

“And after the first part is done, I believe that St Joe will come out with great results, that is without a doubt.”

Expressing optimism at the outcome of the school inter-house sports carnival, Brother Afaese said he is looking forward to the event and they will continue to uphold the standards achieved in previous carnivals.

"Saint Joseph's  talented in every sport, and I have no doubt they will stand their ground as they used to in the previous years. 

“Looking at the games today, I have high expectations of the boys and all the students. 

“They will bring back great results for our school, their parents, our old pupils and also our supporters who will be rooting for us on those days.

Attempts by the Samoa Observer to uplift results were unsuccessful as of press time.