The American Samoa National Olympic Committee (ASNOC) Sport and Environment Commission (SEC), last week Friday joined forces once again with the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) to target the Pala Lagoon area for a thorough cleaning. Now being called the "Clean Team", they spent time picking up trash, glass, and other items that are constantly being thrown away in the area.

ASNOC/SEC Chairman Carl Sagapolutele Floor, who is also head of the American Samoa Handball Association (ASHA), said that the Clean Team walked all the way to the point, in order to give their athletes a full understanding of the potential for recreation and training at Pala Lagoon. “Most of the kids have never been out to the point,” he said.

 Joining the Clean Team were members of ASHA, along with members of the American Samoa Aquatics Agency. Recently, they all made a trip to the Manu’a Islands to do a coastal cleanup there, and collected over 1,000 pounds of trash.

“I asked the ASAA to join us again and assist us with any underwater debris identification and salvage. In addition, we are asking ASAA to help identify potential swimming holes and safe areas,” explained Floor. ASPA began the Pala Lagoon cleanup last September and continue their efforts every fourth Friday of the month.

“Our athletes are very concerned about our environment and have a clear understanding of why we are cleaning up. I am very proud of them, on and off the field. I would like to thank ASPA for their partnership with us as well as our athlete's parents who have been very supportive in all of our efforts,” said Floor.

ASAA head Zero Iaulualo stated, "It's always a pleasure working with the Clean Team as part of the Coastal Cleanup efforts."

 "We not only conduct aquatics training, we are also very much involved with environmental cleanup. It doesn't matter if it's on land, or in the water, where we have to use scuba gear, we will still do our part in helping to keep American Samoa clean,” said Iaulualo.

“I want to thank ASPA and ASHA for including the ASAA in this great and worthwhile effort,” he added.