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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR – AMERICAN SAMOA
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Friday, January 1, 2010)
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Gov. Togiola lauds AS and Hawaii for “most impressive exhibition of Samoan talent” in Samoa Bowl; AS defeats Hawaii, 23-20

(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today called the Samoa Bowl VII game between American Samoa and Hawaii as “the most impressive exhibition of Samoan talent we have ever witnessed in the seven years” of the event, as American Samoa beat Hawaii 23-20.

OPENING CEREMONY

In the opening ceremony, Governor Togiola told the Samoa Bowl participants that the priority of the event continues to be the encouragement of knowledge, learning and brotherhood.

“As you endeavor to continue your education, I want all of you to know that our goal is, first and foremost, your education. “But, we want you to know that we deem this game, this event, which brings you all together, as part of that education,” said Governor Togiola. “Education is the leader of all the tools that you need to break the chains of limitations in your lives as well as our lives. We need to know, to learn, to be educated in every aspect of life if we are to break the chains of limitations in our lives.”

Governor Togiola, joined by First Lady Mary Ann Tulafono, Lieutenant Governor Faoa Sunia and Mrs. Elisapeta Sunia in the main grandstand, also said sports is a key element in the educational process.

“In team sports, it allows you as an individual to develop yourselves individually, and to play as an individual. But, the common goal of the team and your island community, and the most important and the leading reason for your participation, is to learn the game and play as a team,” said Governor Togiola. “So, today, as you play, we expect you to play hard, but we want you to play fair and to play by the rules because by those rules that you learn to play the game, these are the very rules of life; what you learn by playing as a team and playing together and inter-relating with one another is in itself learning the rules of life. Good luck to you today. We will be cheering for all teams. Have fun. Let’s get it on!”

Governor Togiola expressed his sincere gratitude to the committee chairs --HTC Lealao Melila Purcell and Pita Gurr-- and the hardworking Samoa Bowl Committee that included Evelyn and David Langford, Tumua Matu’u, Irene Kane Lake, Leilani Ripley, Ethan Lake, Motu Seui, Ken Tupua, Ed Imo, David Vaeafe, Lydia Faleafine Nomura and so many of the people on the committee that have made the commitment to make a difference every year for the young people.

Governor Togiola also gave special thanks to Congressman Faleomavaega Eni for his great support of the event every year, and he thanked all of Samoa Bowl sponsors on island and in Hawaii for believing in the annual event; and the island business community for coming through with the extra support.

“Thank you to all of you for being part of today’s event that we hope, pray and support to bear fruit in the future for all of our athletes,” said Governor Togiola.

Governor Togiola said before the start of the event, which began with the American Youth Football Samoa game between the Tafuna Chargers and Leone Raiders –an exhibition representing 11 to 13 year old– that he was delighted in seeing the growth of Samoa Bowl through the involvement of even younger players and the inclusion of a team from Down Under.

“As our children become involved in organized sports and the game of football, and progressing to tomorrow’s game as we play our very first international match here in American Samoa in the game of football against Australia, nothing could be better than to see the expansion of Samoa Bowl, a concept that was envisioned to improve all of our children in American Samoa,” said Governor Togiola. “With the help of people like Hawaii Coaches Livai Siuaki and Jimmy Higgins, and Moeituasivi Filipo Ilaoa and the Samoa Bowl Committee from Hawaii, who worked hand in hand with our local committee to bring this event together, I can’t say enough, but to say thank you all for caring enough about our children to come together and collaborate to make Samoa Bowl a reality.”

Governor Togiola cited the volunteer contribution made by all of the annual game organizers.

“For the Samoa Bowl Committees of Hawaii and American Samoa to do this on your own time with your own resources and expense, you have all worked for free to make sure that this event happens each and every one of the past six years,” said Governor Togiola. “And now in its seventh year, I am terrifically encouraged that Samoa Bowl is on its way to bigger and better things.”

Governor Togiola tossed the ceremonial football, while Lieutenant Governor Faoa was given the honors for the coin toss at midfield.

END OF THE GAME REMARKS

At the end of the game, Governor Togiola offered words of praise and encouragement for both teams.

“The most important thing is that you have come with the Samoan spirit to Samoa Bowl. It’s called Samoa Bowl because it is that same Samoan spirit that started it and it is the Samoan spirit that will maintain it,” said Governor Togiola.

Governor Togiola congratulated the American Samoa team and Head Coach Pepine Lauvao, and the Hawaii team and Head Coach Livai Siuaki and their coaching staff on an outstanding hard-fought battle in Samoa Bowl VII.

“It was one of the most impressive exhibitions of Samoan talent we have ever witnessed in the seven years of Samoa Bowl,” said Governor Togiola. “I want to congratulate all of you boys for the vigorously contested effort and spirit that you gave this game.”

Governor Togiola said even though some of the participants were ejected from the game that should no longer be a concern.

“It doesn’t matter anymore. The game is over; you are back to what we are, brothers,” said Governor Togiola. “No matter where you go in this world, you are now an alumnus of Samoa Bowl. There is always next year for Hawaii and American Samoa.”

In closing, Governor Togiola, again, offered his congratulations to the team from Hawaii for the enthusiasm that was displayed in the game.

“I know you came a long way and I know it is hard. You came to win. But, listen, it’s not about winning or losing; it’s about what we take away from here tonight and I believe you will all take back home with you a stronger Samoan spirit, the same Samoan spirit that will bring more of your brothers home to Samoa Bowl next year,” said Governor Togiola.

American Samoa’s second All Star team will play against Australia’s Under 19 Gridiron team tomorrow (Saturday) at 11am after the American Youth Football Samoa game between the Fagaima Steelers and the Alataua Saints at 9am.

---americansamoa.gov---