TOA SAMOA PARADE OF THE YEAR
Toa Samoa Parade
Photo; Eyespy radio / Anetone Sagaga
Emotions were high in the streets of Apia as the Toa Samoa traveled in style in the early hours of Thursday morning. Hundreds of fans flooded the streets , cheering for the boys in blue as they celebrated a successful year of sportsmanship.
"O ai le Toa? " those were words shouted by crowds of Samoan supporters all the way from the Vaisigano Bridge, around the Town Clock heading towards the front of the Government Building. Samoa's heroes started their special day with a Government Ceremonial Service held at the Mulivai Cathedral before joining the anxious crowd awaiting on the side of the road just outside. Several vehicles roamed the streets , pumping horns and cheering "Go Toa , Goa Manu" with flags nonstop waving from the trunks.
Toa Samoa Parade
Photo; Eyespy radio / Anetone Sagaga
A manifold of flags and a sea of blue attired fans lined up as the parade made its way towards the Government Building. Memories came flooding back about Sunday morning game , when we won against England. Apia was in its biggest hype when both team marched on resulting with electricity in the air by the livelihood of many Samoan fans.
"This is the true 685 right here , its great to be home" Jarome Luai told Eye Spy as he waved to several fans and a manifold of people cheering his name as he passed by. The man was all smiles as he was
escorted by one the fifteen rides of the V8 Club , a car association who offered to escort the boys in blue without any charge . Chanel Harris Tavita was hugging one old lady, a fan who ran up to him and
emotionally said "faafetai faafetai faaeaea atunu'u" meaning thank you for lifting Samoa to the top.
Toa Samoa Parade
Photo; Eyespy radio / Anetone Sagaga
The crowd grew louder as the Toa Samoa performed their first ever official Siva Tau in front of the Government Building led by Skipper and Captain of the Toa Samoa Junior Paulo. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and Cabinet Ministers were among the many officials that were present together with Coaches Muliagatele Brian Lima and the man himself Coach Matt Parish.
President of the Toa Samoa Tagaloa Fa'afouina Su'a hosted the event and stated in a speech that this was one of the best parades ever since it was done here in Samoa and both teams are home to celebrate together. "This celebration is for Samoa , the home of our sports heroes" he stated on the podium during the formalities.
"For Our People" were words echoed by the players when asked repeatedly what all this momentum meant to them. Police officers instructed some fans to move back as some were getting closer to the
players , shouting their names and anxious for a snap of the camera.
In an exclusive interview with Captain Paulo Junior he acknowledged the immense support of the Samoan community , '' I am extremely grateful for the support shown by our people , thank you " were
repeated by the team Skipper.
Toa Samoa Parade
Photo; Eyespy radio / Anetone Sagaga
When Coach Matt Parish was given the opportunity to say a few words to the people of Samoa , he yelled at the mic and said "This is for you Samoa. Thank you for being the best in everything''. The crowd cheered on and Captain of the Manu Samoa Vaa Apelu Maliko and Toa Samoa winger Brian To'o performed a small dance treat for the fans , leaving a few laughter in the air. The crowd adored the players and kept cheering nonstop.
The parade was one of the most liveliest vibe the Government Building has ever had since its golden ages with previous shows conducted decades ago. It was if Dwayne The Rock Johnson was back but instead it was the year of Sportsmanship and togetherness. Both the Manu Samoa and the Toa Samoa will be dining together with the Manu Sina at Return to Paradise Resort.
Toa Samoa Parade
Photo; Eyespy radio / Anetone Sagaga
Plans for the Toa Samoa Parade is set to travel to the Big Island of Savaii on the last day of 2022 , this Saturday where another Parade is set to be executed. According to a announcement posted by the Samoa Rugby League association the trip is awaiting confirmation. The team is set to return abroad on the 2nd of January gearing for another hungry adventure of sports.