Anne Cairns Awarded By Alo Paopao Academy
Anne Cairns with her family, partner Carl Barnes and daughter Poppy Barnes , Alo Paopao Academy Founder & Coach Jay Ah Fook with Minister Of Finance, Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Molioo Ale and husband Molioo Pio Molioo. Alo Paopao Representative Lucas Moni Sooaemalelagi.
Photo: EyeSpy Radio
Anne Cairns, who recently won a silver medal at the International Va'a Federation (I.V.F) 2022 World Sprints in the U.K last August was awarded by Alo Paopao Academy in recognition of her dedication in representing Samoa in the sport of outrigger canoeing worldwide. She is enjoying spending time with her family here in Samoa.
The former Olympian was present the first night of the 20th Siva Afi Fire-Knife Dancing Competition held last Friday night at Friendship Park. Anne Cairns was seen together with her family, partner Carl Barnes and daughter Poppy Barnes ,mentor and coach Jay Ah Fook, as well as some of the couple's close friends.
The athlete was attending the event, and was invited in order to present the award for first place in the women's siva afi contest.
Before handing over the award to the winner, Anne Cairns, relayed a speech directed at the youth, on how she overcame many difficulties during her life's journey, and that getting knocked down or failing is not the end, it's whether you learn to get back or lie down.
Anne Cairns Receiving Her award from Alo Paopao Academy Representative Lucas Moni Sooaemalelagi and Alo Paopao Academy Founder & Coach Jay Ah Fook.
Photo: EyeSpy Radio
She told of when she had to undergo surgery in April to remove her appendix. Cairns expressed the concerns she had about how it would affect her competitive racing, especially given that she would have to sit out training for six weeks to 10 weeks. "It shocked me and I thought this would be the downfall of my career," she said.
However, she conveyed that without obstacles, one cannot learn and take strides forward, and empowered the young women vying in the competition to believe in themselves and that the sky's the limit.
The athlete was also approached by Samoa's Minister, Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Molioo Ale who was with husband Molioo Pio Molioo enjoying the night's fire knife dancing performances.
Anne Cairns During her thank you speech after Receiving Her award from Alo Paopao Academy.
Photo: EyeSpy Radio
One of the Coaches from Alo Paopao Academy Lucas Sooaemalelagi, said that he's learnt a lot from Anne Cairns in the time that she's spent with Alo Paopao last week. The young ones will surely benefit from having her teach them a thing or two about not only paddling but in life as well," he said.