Samoa To Host I.V.F World Distance Championships In August
Official Logo For I.V.F World Distance Championships Samoa 2023.
Designed by : Tihati Devoe
Samoa and Apia Harbour will serve as the venue for the (International Va’a Federation) IVF World Distance Championships 2023 from August 10th to August the 19th.
This week, a small crew from IVF will work with SOCA to complete the event's arrangements. The company will include the current IVF President Lara Collins.
Speaking with EyeSpy this week , President of the International Va'a Federation , Lara Collins stated they are super excited for the commencement of the program which was last held in Australia in 2019 prior to the pandemic.
"We are really looking forward to commence the games here in Samoa where it was suppose to happen in 2021 but was pushed back to 2023" stated Ms Collins.
There are 25 country nations that have signed up to participate in the events from all parts of the world. Some of these committed countries include Singapore , Great Britian , Brazil , Panama and Canada.
Events and Technical Committe Chair Janine Nikora stated that their early trip is to have a brief site visit of the area and according to her Samoa is the perfect place for the sport.
"Water is great we are just trying to sketch out the logistics and the layouts so that we can get a familiarization of Samoa and get information for peparation that will lead up to a successful event" stated Ms Janine Nikora.
According to the President Lara Collins , Samoa was chosen as the main venue since 2019. The committee will also work on various activities leading up to the event as it is highlighted as one of the most prestigious sports in the Pacific.
As expectations are high for the upcoming games , the same goes for elevating the outrigging community in Samoa and providing the best experience for everyone to enjoy an event that will promote sports , physical health , multicultural and survival.
Ms Janine Nikora stated she's been outrigging for 6 years and that within the Pacific outrigging is a Sports to other countries but for her its a survival skill people need to lear and find joy in.
President Lara Collins has been an outrigger for the past 25 years and has travelled around the world because of it. She hopes for a successful event and also for travelers and hosting nation to share "mana" as they embark on keeping this origin story alive and going.
The International Vaa Federation (I.V.F) team will tour the Worlds 2023 sites while in Samoa, interact with the local paddling community, and hold meetings with government and event representatives.