The stage is set for the 2023 International Va’a Federation (I.V.F.) World Distance Championships from 10-19 August with thousands of paddlers excited to compete. 

The international sporting event is returning to Samoa after almost 30 years since it was last hosted in the country, with the local paddlers hoping to make a great impression, so they can bid to host the biggest international championships in 2027 or 2028.

Fronting the press on the day before the official opening of the tournament, the I.V.F. President, the Tournament Director, and the Organising Committee laid out the programme for the competition. 

It was also an opportunity for the organisers of the competition to acknowledge the sponsors and partners who assisted them in making the event possible and bringing the event to Samoa. 

The Samoa Outrigger  Canoe Association (SOCA)  Event Coordinator, Su'a Jay Schuster said that this is a timely boost for the economy of Samoa. 

An interesting aspect of Samoa playing host again is that they are able to bring to the country some of the big names in the sports. 

Su'a highlighted that the majority of the paddlers travelling from different countries in the world are in Samoa for the very first time and this is an opportunity for them to experience what Samoa has to offer. 

It is also an opportunity for local paddlers to explore and showcase their skills and learn from other international paddlers. Preparations have been going well with the organisers confirming that they cannot wait to get out to the water and get on with the competition. 

It has been confirmed that the next long-distance I.V.F. Championship will be hosted by Brazil in 2025. However, Samoa is hoping to bid for the biggest and main competition which is expected to take place either in 2027 or 2028. 

"That is why it is good for us to use this opportunity to see if we are capable of hosting the big event which can bring in over 3,000 paddlers to Samoa," Su'a said. "Hence, we are asking our people to come out and support this event so we can make an impression and hopefully get our name to be number one on the I.V.F. lists for the big event. 

The Samoa Outrigger  Canoe Association (SOCA) earlier this week welcomed Samoa Port Authority (SPA), Vailima Breweries and Digicel Samoa as the three additional sponsors for the upcoming event. The Events Coordinator Su’a Jay Schuster said the three additional supporters bring the total of sponsors for the event to 21.

It is anticipated more than 2,000 participants from 28 different countries will attend with the local tourism industry from hotels to stores, and tourist attractions amongst other small businesses expected to benefit.