Return to Paradise Resort and Spa in Lefaga have played host to the Manu Samoa Development 7s team during a boot camp paid for in full by the generosity of a group of local businesses and the resort.

The team camp comes as they prepare for the next round of calendar events starting in Dubai in November this year.

It is the second retreat for the Manu Samoa Sevens hosted at Return to Paradise this year.

Head Coach, Muliagatele Brian Lima is training the players and getting ready to whittle the wider training squad of 26 down to the 14 who will get to compete. 

It is a tough year with the massive restrictions caused by the world-wide pandemic, but the boys are giving it their best, according to a statement from Return to Paradise.

The most recent camp was made possible by the generosity of 11 businesses: Rowlen Financial Services Limited; Apia Concrete Products; Samoa Commercial Bank, Limited; S.M.I.; Federal Pacific Finance; Transam Samoa; Ford Hyundai Samoa; CCK; Federal Pacific Insurance; Western Union and Return to Paradise.

Team Manager Tuala Pat Leota thanked Return to Paradise and the sponsors of their boot camp held last weekend in preparation for their upcoming events.

Tuala Pat and his team were blown away by the positive spirit shown towards the sevens squad, according to the statement.

The camp was held at no cost to Lakapi Samoa.

“With the help of these great companies, we were able to hold the camp at no cost to Lakapi Samoa. So, on behalf of Lakapi Samoa, we are just so grateful to them and of course to Return to Paradise Resort,” Tuala said.

“Return to Paradise is well-known for the excellent service and facilities they offer for sports camps,” said Tuala.

“We had an earlier camp at Return to Paradise, so yes, we wanted to come back – and the service was excellent.”

General Manager of Return to Paradise, Ramona Su’a Pale Gilchrist and her family were only too happy to help, the resort said.

“We know that Lakapi Samoa is struggling for funds under COVID-19, and so we wanted to offer to sponsor the retreat ourselves,” said Su’a.

 “But with the borders closed, we’re struggling too so we simply could not afford to do that on our own. So, we reached out to others in the business community and the camp became possible.”

Return to Paradise often hosts high profile sports teams and has been the Resort of choice for Toa Samoa for many years. 

The resort offers a team room, ice baths, spa pools, massage services, training video services and healthy menus specially designed for high performance athletes.

The team and management enjoyed great healthy food, training, recreation, and entertainment from the Resort’s famous Maeva Band who are current finalists in the TV3 Samoa Unplugged String Band contest. 

The camp finished with a small church service and Sunday Toonai.

Before leaving, the team presented Ramona with a framed Lakapi Samoa Sevens jersey signed by the present team members. 

“The staff and I were honoured to receive this jersey. We wish them all the best as they represent our nation and their extended families,” said Su’a, “we will display the signed jersey in our reception area, and when the boys return with their families and friends, they will be able to show their signed names on this jersey with pride.”

Teams that seek to book a sports camp at Return to Paradise Resort are invited to contact [email protected] or (685) 767.5001.