Coastweeks 2014 “Preservation Builds Generations” kicked off this past Monday, with the first of two days dedicated to canoe races that featured teams representing local government departments and agencies, as well as the private sector.

It was the women’s team from the Dept. of Human and Social Services (DHSS) who took first place in their first heat of the day.

More canoe races were scheduled for yesterday and the results were unavailable as of press time.

Pictured here is proud DHSS Deputy Director Muavaefaatasi John Suisala, posing with the winning DHSS ladies team.

Governor Lolo M. Moliga has already proclaimed Sept. 15-27, 2014 as Coastweeks in American Samoa, and the Dept. of Commerce is spearheading fun filled activities ‘to celebrate the value of our coasts’.

A mangrove planting project is scheduled for tomorrow, followed by an island-wide coastal cleanup and a seafood festival that will be held at 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Fagatogo Marketplace on Friday.

Other activities include educational enviro-tours and a GIS Day on Sept. 23-24.

Celebrations will culminate with a Family Beach Day at the Suigaula ole Atuvasa Beach Park in Utulei on Saturday, Sept. 27.