Business backs the Toa Samoa

By Sarafina Sanerivi 08 October 2016, 12:00AM

It’s been a busy week for the Toa Samoa.

Away from their preparations for the confrontation against Fiji Bati this afternoon, the team has been visiting a number of local sponsors as part of their community work. 

On Thursday, they were at S.S.A.B where Chief Executive Officer,Fiti Leung Wai, encouraged them.

“Today, it’s an honour and privilege for me to welcome all the ambassadors of Samoa who are making it big internationally in this game who are present here today,” she said.

“I know that every time you guys go out and play for your respective clubs, you put your bodies on the line, and also proudly fly Samoa’s flag. With you being here in your home country, I know there is lot that is expected of you. 

“And this is only natural because we are a proud nation.”

Mrs. Leung Wai went on to encourage the players and wished them good luck for their game today. 

“We have a Samoan saying, “E le sau le moa folau, vivini i totonu o le fanua o le moafanua.” Literally, it means that we should never allow a foreign rooster to crow on our lands.  “So what you face this Saturday is a momentous battle as you face the Fiji Bati comprised of  formidable players representing their country on our lands. So I go back to how I started my remarks with the question, Samoa, o ai le Toa? The answer is, the toa or warriors are yourselves. 

“You are the warriors. You will defend our honour, our culture and our pride here on our lands. 

“After Saturday, it will be etched in the minds of people like me, and all the Samoans the true spirit of Rugby league through your display of skills, sacrifice and passion for our country.No longer will we ask the question, Samoa o ai le toa? And we will by then know the answers that you, the proud sons and warriors of Samoa are indeed our very own Toa Samoa. 

“I leave you with the parting words of Tauti’apagofie to her brother Manu Samoa before he went off to war.  “Ia malamalama ou mata, ia pouliuli lou tino ma ia tafe toto ou ala.” 

Literally it means, may your eye sights be clear, may our body be black as night, and may your path flow with blood.”

Junior Paulo was chosen to say a few words of thanks on behalf of the team.

“I just want to thank the man upstairs for bringing all of us here today. 

“I also want to thank SSAB for jumping on board and sponsoring our team. I am sure that we are all grateful to what you guys have done and also for the gifts today, I am grateful for that. 

“It has been a good opportunity for us to meet and greet and also get to know our sponsors as well. So on behalf of the team, I would like to thank all of you here today.”

T-shirts and goodies were provided by S.S.A.B for the players and also two buro chairs from their supplier from New Zealand. 

By Sarafina Sanerivi 08 October 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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