Siva Afi International Competition owner Leota Lene Leota foresees further growth in the competition despite the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic over a year ago.

The businessman, who owns the rights to the Siva Afi International Competition with the annual event now a main fixture of Samoa's tourism calendar, told Samoa Observer that although overseas competitors have yet to confirm participation this year they anticipate bigger numbers.

"We are expecting that by the end of this month, all competitors will be confirmed including both the Juniors category and the Seniors," said Leota. "This year will be more successful, we anticipate, especially with our new location.

"I mean last year was great but this year has improved mainly with the location and preparations this year so far so good. At the moment, we have sponsors and the competition will go through from the 16th to the 18th of November."

Registration is still open for competitors keen on participating next month at the Siva Afi International Competition office at the back of Friendship and the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) Fale. 

Leota said he expects to confirm by the end of this month competitors for both the juniors and seniors categories in the competition.

Asked if the Siva Afi  International Competition has a pathway for troubled youth including street vendors, the businessman said over the long-term youths without opportunities such as street vendors eventually come under their wing. 

"Some of the kids started by selling those stuff on the streets and now they're employed under me and they were of great help with our relocation to Apia," he said.

Guests and judges for the next edition of the Siva Afi International Competition are expected to come from New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and the United States. The prize money for this year is SAT$25,000 which is an increase from last year's SAT$20,000 prize money.

The winners of last year's competition were Vaelaa Iloa (overall champion with SAT$20,000 cash prize), Ieti Toomalatai (first runner-up with SAT$10,000 cash prize) and Alema Alema (second runner-up with SAT$5,000 cash prize). Those who came fourth and fifth respectively were presented SAT$2,500 each, while a SAT$5,000 special prize for best video sponsored by Western Union went to Elijah Shaw.

Last year, the Samoa government, speaking through the Tourism Minister, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster acknowledged the Siva Afi co-owners Leota and Clare Leota for their long journey reviving and revitalising the art of fire knife dancing in Samoa. 

Going down memory lane to the early days of their entertainment business, Leota said they started with street vendors in 2002, and for the first time in 20 years he has received land to continue the work of the club.