$40,000 up for grabs

By Deidre Fanene 19 August 2016, 12:00AM

The Committee of Teuila Fautasi Race met with captains of all the fautasi that have registered yesterday.

Only two captains showed up for the meeting. They were Matua o Tofiga Fonoti, of Little Rina from Toamua and Pauli Ivan Williams, captain of Tolotolo o le Tamauli from Salelologa, Savaii.

Chairman of the Fautasi Race, Fauono Talalelei Tapu said the final number of entries has yet to be confirmed. 

“What we can confirm is that only one fautasi from American Samoa has been confirmed which is called “God is Great” we are looking at having three but we are still waiting for them,” said Fauono.

“We haven’t confirmed as well how many fautasis from here will be competing but we hope to get seven or eight fautasi to compete at the Teuila.

“So we will be calling another meeting with all the captains to confirm all of that.”

The Chairman also confirmed the prizes.

“So for the winner they will receive a cash prize of $40,000 tala, 2nd place is $30,000, 3rd place is $20,000 and the rest of the fautasis will receive consolation prizes of $10,000 tala each,” he said.

“The date has also been set which is on the 6th of September at 9 o’clock in the morning.”

Fauono also confirmed an arrangement for the ferry fares for American Samoa competitors and the crew from Savai'i.

“We have come to an agreement with the C.E.O of Shipping as well that for those of you that will be travelling from Savai'i and also from American Samoa there will be a free of charge for the fare and also for the fautasi,” he said.

“Even with our American Samoa friends they will be travelling for free even their fautasi so that is the agreement that we have come to.

“But I know we will be calling another meeting next week to confirm all of these things.”

Fauono was also asked about the issue of bad sportsmanship during the race where some crews deliberately block the path for others.

“In the past years, we disqualifies those fautasi crews that have done that and so if it does happen then the same thing will apply.

"They will be banned from competing again.

“However I am confident that this problem will not arise again and this year will be having a clean competition. Let’s pray that the weather will be good for our event.”

By Deidre Fanene 19 August 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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