Get into rugby proves popular

By Adel Fruean 08 June 2018, 12:00AM

Vaivase Primary School dominated the Get into Rugby grassroots level competition for Vaimauga District at Marist Brothers Primary School Mulivai field, yesterday.

Twelve schools participated in six separate divisions from ages 8-14. The Under 8 and 10 mixed girls and boys division, Under 12 and 14 girls and boys only divisions.  

Competition Development Manager from Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U.), Taala Anae Tui Komiti said the programme is to develop the rugby skills at the grassroots level. 

“There is a lot of potential talents displayed by the players so we just need more support in reference to their training skills, also financial support in terms of transporting them into areas to compete, so the assistance is greatly needed from teachers, parents.

“You can tell throughout the competitions that there is great improvement in the skills showcased by the players,” he said.

Taala said they are also looking at more competitions in the primary school level.

“The difficulty that we’re facing right now is the numerous amount of various sports implemented in primary schools at the same time.

“Hence, it is why we focus on individual districts one at a time so we can manage our time and work together with other schools.”

“In fellowship with Oceania Rugby, the Australian Government funded the programme along with Tradepac Samoa Company Limited with the assistance of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture.

“It has enabled us to go out to both Upolu and Savaii, we are very happy in terms of support from all the schools, parents, teachers and school principals for all the kids’ preparations,” he said.

Vaivase Primary School Coach, Grace Liki acknowledged the support of parents, teachers and students which enabled them to succeed in the competition.

“I am absolutely speechless for my teams’ performances, they exceeded our expectations with their achievements, so it is thanks to everyone’s support and faith in us and our goal,” she said.

Under 10’s best player winner from Vaivase Primary School, Ioane Viliamu Janke acknowledged everyone and his team for their support.

“We had trainings in school on the skills of passing the ball so I used those skills to try with all my might to get our team a score and for our team to win. I am very happy with the results because I am the captain of our team. I have led our team into victory,” he said.

Chairman of the Primary School’s Principals Association for Vaimauga District, Leiataua Lesa Lino Tagiilima said this tournament promotes the development of skills for children in the sport of rugby.

“We are well aware that not all children are good in school, so that is why our Government implemented sports in schools together, with the rugby union. This is the first of its kind. It not only brings together students to have fun, but an opportunity to promote health awareness for young generations.”

 

Results:

Under 8 mix

Winner – Vaivase Primary School

Most valuable player (M.V.P.) – Joe Junior Joe (Vaivase Primary School)

Under 10 mix

Winner – Vaivase Primary School

 M.V.P – Ioane Janke

Under 12 Girls

Winner – Vaivase Primary School

M.V.P – Hileynah Tusi (Apia Primary School)

Under 12 Boys

Winner – Vailima Primary School

M.V.P. – Vanuolemotu Kaisalika (Vailima Primary School)

Under 14 Girls

Winner – Falefitu Primary School

M.V.P. – Rose Rimoni (Falefitu Primary School)

Under 14 Boys

Winner – Apia Primary

M.V.P. – Tommy Luka (Apia Primary School)

By Adel Fruean 08 June 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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