The Minister of Sports and Recreation spoke at the Seagles Outrigger Canoe Club Samoa’s Canoe Blessing Ceremony on Saturday, 29 March 2025, at Mulinuu.
The event marked the launch of the club’s first outrigger canoes, made possible through funding from the Team Up Initiative. The ceremony began with a prayer by Auali’itia Arona. Present were Leota Josh Lutu, Chair of the Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association (SOCA), Seagles patrons Lemalu Nynette Sass, Maiava Collin McCarthy, and Tauvaga Farani, club president Auali’itia Leata, SWARMA board member Marina Keil, SASNOC CEO Tuala Mathew Vaea, and paddling representatives from across the country.
In his remarks, Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell said outrigger canoeing continues the legacy of Samoan ocean navigation. He said the sport teaches discipline and collective effort and remains open to all levels of experience.
He acknowledged the challenges clubs face, including limited access to resources. He said the Ministry is committed to supporting the sport, working alongside partners like SASNOC and SOCA.
The club acknowledged its sister club, Floating Coconut OCC, for assisting with bringing the canoe fleet to Samoa. Sponsors of the launch event included Urban Sound Samoa, Gridline Media, SHAR Hirage, Pure Pacific Water, CT9 Projects, Le-Ata, and Laumei OCC.
No race was held due to weather conditions.
