International Va'a Federation World Championships Samoa 2023 Logo Launched.
(Front L-R: Tuala Mathew Vaea (C.E.O of S.A.S.N.O.C), Janine Nikora (I.V.F), Lara Collins (President of I.V.F), Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster (Minister for Tourism), Toaigaoaloalii Matthew Wendt (President of S.O.C.A), Rev. Dr. Latu Latai (C.C.C.S Apia). (Backrow: Members of the Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association with Samoa Tourism Authority employees ).
Photo: Eyespyradio 87.5 FM
The 2023 International Va'a Federation (I.V.F) World Distance Championship is set to take place in the capital of Samoa, Apia, in August of this year.
After traveling to Los Angeles in the United States to show its interest, the Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association (S.O.C.A) advocated for Samoa to host the upcoming international competition. Due
to the COVID-19 Pandemic, all preparations for the event that were originally scheduled for 2021 had to be suspended.
Lara Collins (President of I.V.F), Janine Nikora (I.V.F), Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster (Minister for Tourism), Toaigaoaloalii Matthew Wendt (President of S.O.C.A)
Photo: Eyespyradio 87.5 FM
While the world competition would bring teams from all over the world to compete in Samoan waters, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, the Minister of Tourism for Samoa, commended S.O.C.A for approaching the IVF.
After the government released its State of Emergency (SOE) restrictions to end the lockdown, he said that this is the first significant international event Samoa will hold.
The Tourism Minister stated, "The World Distance Championship is a test of endurance and collaboration as six-man outrigger canoes paddle out for 24 kilometers. As a result, we are quite excited to see this become a success, and the Government of Samoa has given its wholehearted support to ensure this event takes place.
Minister Of Tourism and M.N.R.E Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster
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The newest sixman outrigger canoes were manufactured in Tahiti, a country renowned for its skill in the sport and which took home the most gold medals at the most recent World Championship. The government of Samoa funded their purchase.
By August of this year, teams from the Pacific will be in the nation to compete among some of the top athletes in the globe.
The forthcoming Long Distance World Championship's logo was also unveiled by IVF President Laura Collins, who described it as a great honor.
She remarked, "Working with the SOCA to develop towards this event is incredibly exciting and has been long overdue."
"This is more than just a sport; it's a way of life, and the Va'a is what binds the Pacific Islanders together.
Toaigaoaloalii Matthew Wendt (President of S.O.C.A)
Photo: Eyespyradio 87.5 FM
"We travel to Samoa to celebrate the customs, culture, and people, and this tournament.
It now links numerous nations around the world, much as it once did with the Pacific Islands.
More than a thousand paddlers and spectators from over 25 countries, including those from Germany, Canada, and other countries, are expected to participate.
The Va'a and Samoa and her culture could both be celebrated at this time, according to Mrs. Collins, who thought it was a wonderful opportunity for the world to do so.