Excitement ahead of Marist international Sports Festival

26 January 2018, 12:00AM

The Marist St Joseph’s Sports Club anticipates another milestone achievement this year.

A statement released by the club yesterday states they mark the 30th anniversary of the Marist International Sevens Competition and also launch the second installment of the Marist St Joseph’s International Sports Festival.

“The building on the success of last year’s inaugural sports week, this year’s Sports Festival offers two weeks of jam packed action for sports people and spectators alike,” said Club President, Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio, in the statement.  

“The club’s vision is to contribute to the local sports scene by organizing high quality sports competitions that attract international based teams, and thereby providing accessible pathways for local athletes to gain more international experience, right here at home.” 

The Sports Festival includes boxing, rugby league, touch rugby, netball and rugby sevens. 

Also added to the roster is golf, under the banner of the “School of Origin” golf tournament. 

Teams from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and China are expected to compete in four of the six sports.

This year’s sports week promises to be a bigger and better competition, with the sports festival kicking off with the netball tournament on 8th February and culminating with the sevens competition on Saturday, 17th  February.

Sevens Tournament Director, Fata Brian Kaio, is tasked with making this happen. 

Fata is confident this year’s expanded competition will be fitting to mark the 30th anniversary, with more than 30 teams competing in the men’s and the newly-established women’s division.

“We are excited about the expansion of the competition and it has attracted teams abroad such as from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and of course China,” Fata said in the statement. 

“It’s a big ask from our organising committee, but we’re committed to continuing the proud legacy of this competition. This year’s’ competition further provides more opportunities for local talents yet to be discovered.”

Recognized as the birthplace that launched the careers of many of Samoa’s international rugby stars, the Marist International Seven’s Tournament has attracted the attention of the Chinese National Men’s and Women’s Sevens team who have their eyes firmly fixed on the next Olympics.

Further adding to the festivities this year is the inclusion of the women’s division. Ten teams will vie for the top prize.  

“About six local based teams and four international based teams have been confirmed, such as the likes of Auckland Samoa Women’s team which boasts provincial level Samoan representatives,” the statement reads.  

The official launch for the Marist St Joseph’s International Sports Festival is scheduled for Friday, 26th January, 2018. The final program and acknowledgement of sponsors will also be made known at the launch.

26 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>