American Samoa’s preparations for the fautasi races are well underway ahead of Samoa’s upcoming Independence Day celebrations, following a recent visit by government officials and members of the Independence Day committee to the territory.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt said the response from American Samoa has been encouraging, with plans underway for a strong delegation to attend.

He said he was impressed by the level of organisation and community involvement during his recent visit, particularly preparations for fautasi racing.

Laaulialemalietoa described the experience as “mind-blowing,” noting how villages and youth come together in large numbers to prepare numerous fautasi crews, but took a stab at the lack of fautasi numbers in Samoa's main harbour.

“There is only one fautasi at the front here,” he said, referring to the Apia Maroons, currently the only fautasi docked in Apia Harbour.

For the celebrations, the top five fautasi from American Samoa are expected to travel to Samoa to compete in the Independence Day race. They will be accompanied by volleyball, kilikiti and rugby teams, the prime minister said.

“All participating vaa (canoes) from American Samoa have undergone significant upgrades, with some costing up to $30,000,” Laaulialemalietoa said, noting they are built using fibreglass materials.

However, he said that the true value lies not in the cost, but in the strong community spirit behind each crew.

“The focus isn’t on the money, but on how villages and young people unite in preparation, like the old days,” he said.

Locally, several fautasi crews have already begun training for the Independence Day race, including Telefoni o le Vainuu of Manono and Tolotolo o le Tamauli from Salelologa, Savai‘i.

In addition, the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services will team up with the Fire and Emergency Services Authority to field a joint crew. The group will row the Don Bosco fautasi as part of efforts to promote unity and support the national “Say No to Illegal Drugs” campaign.

Samoa’s Independence Day celebrations are drawing closer, with expectations that this year’s fautasi race will be one of the highlights.