Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Schools, village groups, sports teams, and fautasi crews that took part in the 126th American Samoa Flag Day festivities received trophies and monetary awards yesterday during a presentation hosted by the Flag Day Organizing Committee at the Office of Samoan Affairs in Utulei.

The gathering was attended by Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr., Samoa Consul General Fata Brian Kaio, Committee Chairman and Secretary of Samoan Affairs Fai‘ivae Alex Godinet, fautasi captains, and representatives of the various sports teams. Director of Education Maefau Mary Taufete‘e was also present on behalf of the schools that performed traditional songs and dances during the Flag Day celebrations.

One of the major changes to this year’s entertainment program was the shift away from the long‑standing tradition of inviting local villages — and groups from Samoa — to perform traditional songs and dances. Instead, the organizing committee selected local high schools to provide the cultural entertainment. Officials said the change offered a valuable opportunity for young people to learn, practice, and showcase Samoan performing arts, ensuring that these traditions continue to be passed down to the next generation.

The four high schools selected to perform traditional entertainment this year were Faga‘itua, Samoana, Leone, and Manu‘a High Schools, each receiving $15,000 for their presentations. Nu‘uuli Vocational Technical High School and Tafuna High School were awarded $10,000 each for reciting the 126th Flag Day Proclamation in Samoan and English.

In addition to their recitations, Tafuna High School was tasked with providing a float for the celebration and conducting a drone demonstration. Nu‘uuli PolyTech also provided a float and showcased student‑made projects from its various trade programs — an assignment that aligned with the school’s vocational mission and highlighted student craftsmanship.

Committee Chairman Fai‘ivae Alex Godinet informed the ASDOE Director that the checks for all participating schools will be ready for distribution on Friday.

Moving on to the Flag Day Kirikiti Samoa League, Fai‘ivae expressed his appreciation to the councils of chiefs and orators from Alao, Alofau, Vaitogi, and Vailoatai for granting the organizing committee permission to use their village malae for this year’s games.

“There wouldn’t have been any Kirikiti League this year because Faga‘alu Park, where it is usually held, is being used as a temporary parking lot for LBJ Hospital employees,” Fai‘ivae reminded the gathering. “Fortunately, the councils of matai in these villages allowed us to use their sacred grounds for our league, and for this I extend my heartfelt gratitude for their assistance and support.”

As a token of appreciation, Alao, Alofau, and Vaitogi villages were each awarded $3,000, while Vailoatai received $5,000 because most of the league games were held there, bringing total expenditures for the league to $14,000.

Commenting on the league format, Fai‘ivae noted that this year marked the first time a Sosaiete Fa‘afafine Kirikiti League was added alongside the men’s and women’s divisions. He said the organizing committee introduced the new category to give the many fa‘afafine on island an opportunity to compete among themselves, while also providing enjoyable entertainment for spectators.

Fai‘ivae said the fa‘afafine division quickly became one of the highlights of the season, proving both entertaining and highly competitive. He added that one team from Samoa also joined the league, providing more entertaining competition.

Four teams competed in the inaugural Fa‘afafine Kirikiti League, with Sofia East of the East Side taking first place and earning $4,000 in prize money. Sofia USA, a team from the mainland, placed second and received $3,000. Teine o le Sei from the West Side finished third, while Lalelei o le Fetu Lima from Upolu placed fourth; both teams were awarded $2,000 each.

Proud members of the Teine Seaula team from Aoa display their championship trophy after winning the Women’s Kirikiti Samoa League in this year’s Flag Day competition, along with the $12,000 top prize. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau]

In the women's division, a total of 18 teams competed and after a tough round robin and elimination round, the Teine Seaula from Aoa emerged victorious pocketing a $12,000 first place monetary prize. Teine o le I'a from Fagasa came second winning $11,000, third place went to Teine Faasaulala from Vailoatai who won $10,000, and fourth place went to Teine o le Tunaula from Fagaitua who took home $9,000. The other 14 teams were awarded $2,000 prize money.

In the men’s division, 12 teams competed for the championship title, which ultimately went to the seasoned Sinapati team from Tafuna. The long‑dominant club added another title to its record and earned $12,000 for the win. Tama o le Seaula of Aoa claimed second place—just days after their women’s team secured this year’s women’s championship. Pisisami of Vaitogi finished third and received $10,000, while Tama Mosiula of Masefau placed fourth and took home $9,000. The remaining eight teams were each awarded $2,000. Total expenditures for the 126th Flag Day Kirikiti Samoa League amounted to $58,000.

The largest prize pool, however, was reserved for the 126th Flag Day Fautasi Race.

Making a stunning debut, Manulele Tausala Lowrider II of Nu‘uuli—under the direction of veteran captain Taufete‘e Tanielu Taufete‘e—captured the championship and earned a remarkable $25,000. Their victory mirrored a historic achievement first made by Fealofani Samoa II 26 years ago.

Another standout was Alao, the “new kid on the water,” which surged from last place in its inaugural year to an impressive second‑place finish, earning $23,000. Observers noted that Alao would likely have claimed a “Most Improved” award—had one existed—given its dramatic rise in performance.

At third place, Fuao of Vatia — captained by Gaoteote Palaie Tofau — delivered one of the season’s standout performances. The crew rose from years of mid‑table finishes to secure a top‑three placement, marking their strongest showing yet in the annual Flag Day fautasi regatta.

Flag Day Organizing Committee chairman Fai‘ivae Alex Godinet also acknowledged an additional $10,000 cash prize donated for this year’s fautasi race champions by the children of the late Lealaifuaneva Peter Reid, through Samoa Ford Motors, one of the family’s many businesses.

Fai‘ivae noted that Lealaifuaneva Peter Reid, a former captain of the Aeto, was one of the key figures who helped elevate fautasi racing into the modern era. Through his financial support, he transformed the Aeto from a traditional wooden longboat into a lightweight, high‑tech vessel — a shift that set a new standard for the sport. Fai‘ivae said other villages soon followed Aeto’s example, ushering in the highly competitive level of fautasi racing seen today.

Following is the complete list of fautasi that competed this year, along with their final standings and the prize money each crew received.

1. Manulele Tausala Lowrider II from Nu'uuli - $25,000

2. Alao from Alao - $23,000

3. Fuao from Vatia - $22,000

4. Matasaua from Manu'a - $21,000

5. Fealofani Samoa III from Fagasa - $20,000

6. Aeto III from Pago Pago - $18,000

7. Paepaeulupo'o from Aua - $16,000

8. Manulele Tausala Lowrider I - $14,000

9. Lupelele from Iliili - $13,000

10. Taema II from Leone - $12,000

11. Iseula o le Moana from Fagatogo - $11,000

12. Fale o Latia from Pavaia'i - $10,000

13. Manulele Tausala III from Nu'uuli - $7,000

TOTAL - $212,000

The top five fautasi are set to represent American Samoa in the Samoa Independence Fautasi Race in June.

In an update regarding travel plans for the upcoming fautasi races in Samoa, Alao captain Satele Aliitai Lili‘o confirmed that Alao will not be traveling in June due to the unavailability of several key crew members — including himself. He explained that many crew members have family obligations that must take priority. It remains unclear whether the other four fautasi will make the trip, or whether lower‑placed boats will be given the opportunity to fill any vacancies should a crew be unable to participate.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Samoa Consul General Fata Brian Kaio addressed the gathering and outlined the logistical arrangements the Samoa Government has put in place to accommodate the visiting crews from American Samoa. Fata said the MV Samoa Express has been chartered to transport the five fautasi to and from Samoa, while the MV Lady Samoa IV will provide a return trip for the competing crews. A total of 60 seats per crew has been reserved.

The Samoa Government will also issue entry permits for up to 70 individuals per crew, covering both rowers and management. Upon arrival in Apia, each crew will be assigned two large coaches capable of seating more than 60 passengers, ensuring transportation throughout their stay.

Each fautasi crew will be hosted by villages near the Apia town area, with government support provided to assist the host communities. Meanwhile, the aumaga of the host villages will help transport the boats from Matautu Wharf to Mulinuu, where the fautasi will be stored under 24‑hour police protection and surveillance.

(See story elsewhere for more details of Samoa Government’s plans for the 5 local fautasi to attend their Flag Day festivities in June.)