(5 September 2024 @ 9.00 am)
Lau Afioga i le Taitai o le Sauniga, Tiakono Tolutasi Paiaaua
Afioga i Minisita o le Kapeneta
Taitaifono o le Sosaiete a le Tag Samoa
Peresitene o Kalapu Taaalo Tag ua auai mai
Mamalu o au Taaalo ua potopoto i lenei taeao,
Talofa, Talofa lava,
Lea ua sili ofe foe a tautai o le gataifale, ua faaa’e foi i Tuasivi
faatautaiga a lau afioga i le Tiakono, Tolutasi Paiaaua.
Tau lava ina fono faapipii i le agaga faafetai e pei ona faaleoina e le
fofoga o le aso. Faafetai tapena mālō sāuni. Faafetai mo upu
faalā’ei’au ma le manavaga Pa’ia i lenei taeao. Ia utu pūpūina pea
faafulu o segaula lau tōfā faaleagaga auā le galuega tala’i o feagai ai.
Ae manatu i lenei taeao, o lea lava ua saveioloolo le seuga auā ua
malumaunu lenei taeao. Auā o lea ua malutaue’e le pa’ia maualuga
ua afifio ma susu mai. O pa’ia maualuga ia o lea ua fa’ata’alolo mai i
lenei taeao, e molimauina ma patipatia le agalelei o le Atua faasoa mai, ua tau ai i manū le tapenaga o lenei faamoenoe.
E faamalūlū atu foi ona o le lauga autu o lenei faamoemoe, o le a
faatinoina i le faaperetania mo a tatou autaaalo mai atunuu i fafo.
Deacon Tolutasi Paiaaua
Hon. Ministers of Cabinet
Chairman of the Samoa Tag Incorporated
Presidents of the Competing Tag Teams
Athletes and Officials
Ladies and gentlemen
Talofa lava and welcome to the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Digicel Teuila International Tag Tournament!
Today, we gather to celebrate sports as we embrace the theme of the 2024 Teuila Festival: “Enrich our Environment, Embrace our Culture.” Sports play a vital role in enriching our lives and embracing our diverse cultures. They build communities that thrive on unity, inclusivity, and excellence. This tournament is a shining example of how we can come together, celebrate our differences, and find common ground through our shared love for Tag.
I would like to acknowledge the Government of Samoa for its
unwavering support of all sports in Samoa, including Tag, through the Ministry of Sports and Culture. The commitment of Samoa to promote sports, wellbeing, and culture in our nation is commendable and reflects our newly established Ministry of Sports and Recreation’s key priorities. We are focused on enhancing infrastructure, providing better training facilities, and fostering youth engagement in sports. Our aim is to elevate all sports in Samoa, ensuring that our athletes have the opportunity and resources they need to excel on the international stage.
I extend my gratitude to Cabinet, in particular the Minister of Finance, Minister of Police and Prisons, and the Minister of Public Enterprises, as well as Mr. Anthony Seuseu, the CEO of Digicel Samoa, our Gold Sponsor for this tournament, and all distinguished guests for your presence and support today.
A special thank you goes to the Chair of Samoa Tag, Falemavaega
Fuimaono Tafua, for your leadership and commitment to the sport of Tag.
Samoa Tag Incorporated, I commend you for hosting this prestigious event and for bringing the 6th Teuila International Tag Tournament to our homeland, Samoa. Since 2018, you have uplifted the sport, nurtured local talent, and engaged with our community. As proud members of the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) and the Pacific Tag Federation Incorporated, your efforts have been invaluable.
As a nation, we are honoured to welcome 40 teams from Savaii, Upolu, American Samoa, Australia, and New Zealand. Your participation enriches this tournament and strengthens the bonds between our communities.
I am particularly proud to acknowledge the inclusivity of this sport, with over 33% of the registered participants being female. This is a testament to the progress Samoa is making towards gender equality in sports.
Additionally, the commitment and discipline shown by our youth in Tag here in Samoa deserves commendation. The dedication and skills of all athletes on the field are a source of pride for us all.
The Teuila International Tag Tournament is more than just a tournament; it is a celebration of the unity and spirit of our international tag community. It underscores the tremendous support for Tag in Samoa, from our government to our local hosts and visitors. The sport of Tag is growing rapidly, and hosting an event of this magnitude amplifies Samoa’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion, equal opportunities for women, and empowering our youth.
In conclusion, let us celebrate the values of teamwork, respect, and
excellence that this sport embodies. May this tournament be a
memorable experience for all, filled with camaraderie and outstanding performances. Together, let us continue to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all, and let this tournament be a testament to our drive to excel in any sport on the international stage.
Thank you, and may the best teams win!
Soifua ma ia manuia.
Photo by Government of Samoa (Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo)
