CrossFit Fatu Toa, a family-owned and run gym in Vaitele, is celebrating a special milestone this month – 10 years since it opened its doors in 2015.

Every year, the gym marks its anniversary with a big fitness competition called The Toa. This year’s 10th edition is called Toa X and will be held on August 15–16. The first day will take place at Apia Park, and the second day will be at the gym in Vaitele.

The theme for this year is “A Legacy of Wellness: Stronger Families, Thriving Communities” – a reminder that small, healthy actions at home can lead to big, positive changes in the community.

CrossFit Fatu Toa began in Tulaele at the Sefo family home. Brothers Dean and Brandon Sefo discovered CrossFit training in 2011 and started doing it in their parents’ backyard. Over time, other family members joined in – partners, siblings, cousins, aunties, uncles, then friends, and friends of friends. In 2014, the brothers and their cousin Xavier Martel became certified CrossFit trainers and began offering free backyard classes.

The gym became Samoa’s first official CrossFit affiliate in August 2014 and moved into its Vaitele facility in August 2015.

From the start, CrossFit Fatu Toa has welcomed people of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels – from teenagers and parents to adaptive athletes and experienced competitors. It is more than just a gym – it’s a place where confidence grows, friendships are made, and members support each other on their health journey.

Feagaima’ali’i Francois Martel said, “Crossfit Fatu Toa started as a family and friends affair. Within ten years, it has become an exceptional community of fitness. Now at 70 years old, I am a big fan of the Longevity in Functional Efficiency (L.I.F.E.) class, as with our amazing coach Lupe, we show that fitness has no age limit – even in Samoa!”

Roberta Tiatia, one of the original members, shared, “Ten years ago, I nervously walked into Fatu Toa and left wrecked, but hooked. What started as a challenge in my forties has become a lifestyle in my fifties, with my body moving better than it did a decade ago. CrossFit at Fatu Toa has given me more than strength. It has given me energy, confidence, and a community that feels like home.”

Long-time member Mata’afa Keni Lesa added, “CrossFit Fatu Toa has helped me become a better version of myself, physically and mentally. It truly is a special place, and I offer my congratulations to the coaches and staff of Fatu Toa for their dedication to growing the gym and its community over the last ten years. It has been a pillar of growth for many people, and I look forward to being here for the next decade.”

Coach Rosario Siliva, who started as a member in 2015, said,  “Being part of Fatu Toa from the early days before the move to Vaitele has been a life-changing journey. I started as a member just trying to get fitter, and over the years, this place has become my second home. Now, as a coach, it’s incredible to give back and help others grow in the same space that shaped me. Fatu Toa isn’t just about fitness, it’s about family, resilience, and growth. I am proud to be part of its story.”

Coach Lupe Kapisi said, “Our parents are the reason this all exists. Their belief in our vision and the difference we could have on our people and community gave us the push we needed to make this dream real.”

The Toa X competition will feature teams of four – two men and two women – testing their strength, teamwork, and resilience over two days of tough events. But it’s not just about fitness – it’s about bringing the community together and celebrating health and wellbeing.\

This year, teams from American Samoa, Australia, Fiji, and New Zealand will join local teams from CrossFit Fatu Toa and other gyms across Samoa.

The Toa X is proudly sponsored by National Bank of Samoa, Sublime, Ah Liki Wholesale, Sama Export, Petroleum Products Supplies, Apia Insurance, Sunrise Restaurant, Eveni Sport, Naydith, JJ Hansell Electrical, Samoa Smart Rentals, Faleolo Airport Lounge, Samoa Lokostyle, Lototau Agency, VIPLANE, Adira Sports, Signs Studio, Frog Grips, KNKG, PUSH Gummies, RX Smart Gear AUS.

The public is invited to join the celebrations – at Apia Park on Friday from 5pm and at CrossFit Fatu Toa in Vaitele on Saturday from 9am – or watch the live stream with Bluwave Samoa, the official broadcaster of Toa X.