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Softball Stars shine bright in American Samoa

GFX Grow the Game Softball Camp
A Day of Learning and Empowerment
(Source: GFX Grow the Game press releases)

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In an unprecedented gathering of talent and community spirit, hundreds of girls aged 7-18 in American Samoa experienced a day they'll never forget. On Saturday, the GFX Grow the Game Softball Camp, organized by the Community Empowerment Organization, the AIGA Foundation, Xemberfit, and the Keilani Ricketts Foundation, brought together Collegiate, Professional, and Olympic softball players for a free clinic aimed at fostering skills, confidence, and a love for the game.

The air buzzed with excitement as young aspirants from across the island congregated at the Tony Solaita Memorial Field, eager to learn from the best in the sport.

It was a day of girl empowerment at the Tony Solaita Memorial Field during last Saturday’s GFX Grow the Game Softball Camp. Two mini clinics have also been scheduled. The first  at Leone High School Field today, Tuesday, Dec.19 from 2:30 -530pm and on Wednesday, Dec. 20, on the FIFA Soccer Feld in Pago from 2:30 -5:30pm. [courtesy photo]

The clinic offered a rare opportunity for these girls to interact with their idols, including NCAA Homerun Record Holder Jocelyn Alo, Dejah Mulipola, Kiarra Sells, Leilani Pulemau, Megan Grant, Mary Iakopo, Charity Sevaaetasi, Dejah Mulipola, Chloe Malau'ulu, Matalasi Faapito, Thessa Malau'ulu, Alia Logoleo, Megan Faraimo, Keahilele Mattson, and Keahilele Mattson alongside other renowned coaches, who shared not only their expertise but also their inspiring journeys.

The day was packed with activities, from fundamental drills taught by legendary Tony Medina to advanced techniques, tailored to accommodate the diverse age range and skill levels of the participants. The young athletes were divided into groups, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.

The clinic's highlight was the Homerun Derby showcasing all the heavy hitters, where the participants got to watch their idols firsthand effortlessly hit homerun after homerun.

The event wasn't just about softball; it was a day of “Girl Empowerment”.

Guest speakers, including successful female athletes and community leaders, delivered motivational talks, emphasizing the importance of education, perseverance, and teamwork.

Some of American Samoa’s young softball players who gathered at the airport to welcome the Collegiate, Professional, and Olympic softball players who came to the territory to conduct a free clinic aimed at fostering skills, confidence, and a love for the game. [courtesy photo]

The AIGA Foundation, Xemberfit, Keilani Ricketts Foundation and The Community Empowerment Organization’s commitment to empowering young women was evident in every aspect of the camp.

Parents and community members who came to support their young athletes were equally impressed. "It's not every day that our girls get to learn from the best in the world. This experience has not just improved their game but also boosted their confidence," shared one parent.

As the day drew to a close, the air was filled not just with the sound of bats but with laughter, cheers, and the chatter of opportunities after High School. The GFX Grow the Game Softball Camp left an indelible mark on the young participants, inspiring a new generation of so ball enthusiasts and leaders in American Samoa.

The successful event has raised hopes for more such initiatives, cementing the belief that sports can be a powerful tool for community development and women empowerment.

Xemberfit, the AIGA Foundation, the Keilani Ricketts Foundation, and the Community Empowerment Organization collaborative effort spends 100% of its proceeds on its mission to create pathways for children in American Samoa.

Welcome sign for the girls softball idols who shared not only their expertise but also their inspiring journeys with the hundreds of girls aged 7-18 during the GFX Grow the Game Softball Camp this past Saturday. [courtesy photo]

Two mini clinics have been scheduled for Leone High School Field today, Tuesday, Dec.19 from 2:30- 530pm and on Wednesday, Dec. 20, on the FIFA Soccer Feld in Pago from 2:30 – 5:30pm.

BACKGROUND

The Community Empowerment Organization, American Samoa Little League, and SEMBERFIT have worked in partnership to make their “Next Generation Programs” a huge success, which they also attribute to their community partners who have contributed with many kindnesses and generosity.

Contributions helped the non-profit partners to:

• Compete in the NCS World Series

• Compete in the ASIA Pacific Little League Games

• Compete in the Triple Crown Invitational Series

• Visit College Campuses at Universities across California and Hawaii

• Serve more than 1,200 children in 2 Little League Seasons for kids ages 4 -18

• Host the biggest Free Softball Camp in all of the US and it’s Territories.

And because of these trips, 12 more of our 2024 graduating class have signed letters of intent to play softball and baseball in college after graduation.