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ASA holds World Athletics Day as local athletes showcase their skills

The American Samoa Track and Field Association (ASA) held its International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Athletics Day this past July 12 at the Veterans Memorial stadium with athletic

 

It was also a special day in choosing athletes to compete in the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional Games in Newcastle, Australia this coming November 30 to December 7.

 

The athletes competed in the 50 meter, 100 and 200 meter sprints, the 400 meter walk, 100 meter relay, Shot Put, Discus, Softball Throw, Hula Hoop, Team Ball Pass and Crooked Course Soccer Ball/Jump Rope Team Race.

 

“At times the rain poured, but the athletes were eager to continue the competition and they did well to the very end,” said Deanna Fuimaono of the ASA. She stated that all of the winners, participants, volunteers, coaches, chaperones and bus drivers were presented with Adidas tee-shirts, IAAF blue wristbands, official IAAF certificates as provided by ASA’s World Federation, the International Federation of Amateur Athletes. The winner and participants also received ribbons and awards.

 

The ASA’s number one male athlete of 2013, Faresa Kapisi of Taputimu, who won a Bronze medal in the 200 meter race at the Oceania Regional Championships in Tahiti this past June and Sauniatu West, who also competed in Tahiti, were among the local high school athletes participating in the World’s Athletics Day. New speed talent was identified at the competition, according to Fuimaono. Those who impressed that day were, TJ and Fitu of the Pavai’ai LDS Team.

 

“Congratulations to all of the teams that participated. Weather permitting, the ASA’s Back to School meet will be held within the next two weeks,” she said.

 

According to its website IAAF website, the IAAF is the governing body for the sport of athletics, which includes running, jumping and throwing.

 

In related news, the Special Olympics website,  says that the Asia Pacific Regional Games will be the inaugural Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional Games and will bring together 32 nations from across the Asia Pacific Region. Over 2,500 athletes and carers, 6,000 officials and supporters from overseas and interstate and 200,000 spectators will converge on the Newcastle-Hunter region for the duration of the games. Over 4,000 local volunteers are being recruited to make the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games possible, according to the website.