Laumei flies to Pago to tackle Aunu’u Challenge

20 October 2017, 12:00AM

The Laumei Outrigger Canoe Club is ready to take on the Aunu’u Island 25km iron Challenge in American Samoa tomorrow.

The club is among clubs from Samoa heading across to the east for the regatta.

Hosted by American Samoa’s Alo-o-Samoa Outrigger Canoe Club, they have revived the marathon from Utulei waterfront to Aunu’u Island and back to keep the alova’a sport and our tradition alive. 

Laumei OC Club will field an Open Men’s team, with a secret weapon, a lady to complete their team. 

It would be Laumei OC Club’s first international regatta outside of Samoa.

The team is very excited to share their passion with fellow Samoa Clubs that would also join their cousins in Tutuila for a fun and challenging 25km Marathon. 

There is a V1 (single-seat va’a) Regatta this afternoon in Pago Pago Harbour that precedes the 25km iron marathon. 

Then there is the race is to Aunu’u Island and back on Saturday early morning American Samoa time. 

“Laumei OC Club wishes to thank the local business community who have made this trip possible; and dedicate their efforts to all the business owners whom at heart support our Alovaa tradition by completing the Aunu’u Island Marathon,” a statement from the Club says. 

“Laumei OC Club foremost thank our Heavenly Father for His Grace, Love and Guidance that has made all the preparations mentally, physically and spiritually be at ease. We acknowledge the kind support of family, friends and a special thank you to:  Apia Concrete Products, Samoa Builders Supplies Ltd, Samoa Commercial Bank, Samoa Stationary And Books Co. Ltd, Taula & Samoa Beverage Company and Te Namo Bar for making this first international tour for Laumei OC Club achievable. We also acknowledge the continuous support throughout the years of AJ & Krissy Cowley of Farmer Joe, Enele Westerlund of Taula & SBC, Taimalie C Westerlund of Ah Liki Investment Group, Samoa Observer, SOS Co. Ltd, Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association, Yokohama Batteries and club patron/founder Letoa W Keil of HJ Keil Co. Ltd. 

“We strive to preserve our alova’a spirit and tradition through the sport of Outrigger Canoe paddling; but it is everyone in the local business community with your evergreen support that keeps our passion a reality. 

“We hope that you keep our club in your prayers for a safe and fun Aunu’u Island Challenge. Laumei OC Club also invite all interested and keen to be paddlers who want to join our Ladies Team and Socials Team to come to our Mulinu’u base on Tuesdays/Wednesdays; try out the fun of a healthy water sport with glorious views of our island from out at sea. Fa’afetai, Laumei OC Club!”

20 October 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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