Former Manu star puts body on line for Samoa's future

By Deidre Tautua 12 April 2017, 12:00AM

Former Manu Samoa fullback, Taelega Aiavao Tanner Vili, is in the country to run a tattoo exhibition.

The exhibition during which Taelega is getting is pe’a started yesterday morning.

Held at the Taumeasina Island Resort, Taelega’s goal is to raise funds through the exhibition for a Children’s Sports Academy.

Taelega’s initiative is the first tattoo exhibition to be held at Taumeasina Island Resort.

“Alongside the exhibition, I will also be raising funds for a children's sporting academy which includes sports like tennis, golf and lawn bowls, yes lawn bowls,” he said.

“My big goal is to help more Samoan athletes to attend South Pacific Games, Commonwealth and Olympic Games and win medals." 

“I know Samoa has the talent but athletes don't always have access to the quality coaching and resources that they need to take their game to the highest level.This academy will solve that.”

For Taelega, getting his traditional tattoo has taken a lot of thought. 

“My father the late Taelega Esera Vili passed away in June 2016 and it has had a massive impact on me."  

“On December 2016, I was blessed to have my father's matai title of 'Taelega' bestowed upon me by my village, Sataoa." 

“I have always wanted a tatau and I feel like this is the right time to receive mine.”

The tattoo is being done by Master Tattooist/Tufuga Kasala Laei Sanele.

“If you are in Samoa during the exhibition I would love for you all to attend and be an important part of my journey."

“Some have already donated as they want to see me in pain and this will be my very first tattoo of any kind. "

If you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

“There are lots of rewards and prizes so please donate what you can, even the smallest amount will help and will be very much appreciated.”

Thank you very much in advance for your time and may you all have a prosperous 2017.

Taelega is 41-years-old hail from the villages of Sataoa and Sogi. 

He resides in New Zealand with his partner and two children and he is the son of the late Taelega Esera and Salote Oti-Vili.

By Deidre Tautua 12 April 2017, 12:00AM
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