Pago Pago, AS – Intersections Toa O le Afi’s (TOA) two-year project culminated with a Fireknife Competition that demonstrated a dazzling display of talent, tradition, and unrelenting passion as the TOA participants and invited fireknife dancers lit up the night sky with their extraordinary performances.

Held on Saturday, November 30th at the Afioga Tufele Li’amatua, Sr. Tufele Cultural Center at the Suigaula Beach Park, the fireknife competition drew an enthusiastic crowd and showcased the rich heritage of the Samoan culture while celebrating the artistry and athleticism of the competitors.

The culminating event brings a closure of the TOA project activities, funded by the Criminal Justice Planning Agency, to provide life skills training and help the youth to avoid risky behaviors while learning traditional arts.

The fireknife competition was limited to TOA participants with invites to fireknife clubs in Hawaii and Samoa that have generously provided workshops over the 2-year period.

The event featured 18 competitors with two (2) from Hawaii and four (4) from Samoa. Nine (9) participants competed in the Laitiiti Ae Maini Division (ages 8–12), five (5) participants competed in the Feoloolo Ae Lololo Division (ages 13 – 17) and four (4) young men contended for Tama Matū Division (ages 18 and above).

The Fireknife Champion for Laitiiti Ae Maini Division was claimed by Jascies Damien Tomasi Kostelnik from Leone and Moamoa. In second and third place, Tuitaufaasau Thompson from Pago Pago and Fagatogo and Penaia Tinitali from Vaitogi and Utulei.

The Feoloolo Ae Lololo Fireknife Champion was claimed by Legend Malo Seleni from Nuuuli and Hawaii Kai. In second and third place were Samuel Mase from Pago Pago and Vaitogi, and Hogan Toomalatai from Puipa’a, Samoa.

The Tama Matū Fireknife Champion was claimed by Jacktai Laban from Matautu Tai, Samoa. In second and third place were Eti Amani Leilua Maninoa, Siumu, Samoa and Pelepesite Simati from Puipa’a, Samoa.

The winners stunned the audience and judges alike with their breathtaking routines, incorporating high-speed spins, daring tricks, and an impeccable sense of rhythm and storytelling. Each competitor proved fierce in delivering electrifying performances that underscored the incredible skill and dedication of all participants.

It was not an easy decision for the judges who evaluated the performers that night. The performances were assessed based on precision, creativity, stage presence, cultural integrity, and overall mastery of the fireknife.

The esteemed panel of judges included Mrs. Vatauomalotetele Victoria Tufaga Galea’i Neria, Mr. Leota Lene Leota and Mr. Alataua Sainila Fanene.

Mrs. Neria comes from a lineage of renowned fireknife dancers and entertainers such as brothers Tafilisaunoa Galea’i and the late Pulefano Galea’i. She was one of the first female fireknife dancers who graced the stages of Hawaii.

Mr. Leota has performed as a professional fireknife dancer since 1981 in Samoa, New Zealand, and Australia. He runs the International Siva Afi Competition in Samoa for the past 22 years, making it the second longest fireknife competition in the world.

Mr. Fanene is a retired Adult Corrections Officer from Hawaii. He started performing the fireknife dance at the Polynesian Cultural Center in 1981 and has mentored countless performers in perfecting their craft.

The TOA Fireknife Competition also featured special performances by ASCC-SSI Students Association for FaaSamoa (SAFF), Teine Lalelei Dance Academy, and Teine TOA Dance Group, adding layers of entertainment and cultural appreciation to an already unforgettable evening.

From the beats of the traditional drums to the mesmerizing glow of the fireknives, every moment was a testament to the enduring legacy of our Samoan heritage.

“This competition is more than just a competition,” said Faipule Larry Sanitoa, Board Chairman for Intersections, Inc. “It’s a celebration of our heritage, a showcase of skill, bravery, and creativity, and a reminder of the pride we carry for our Samoan traditions.

“Each performer has trained tirelessly to master not only the physical demands of this dance but also the cultural significance it represents.

“More importantly, their desire to go through the disciplines, testing of their resilience and persistence despite of the many burns and cuts and bruises that earned them the title “Toa O le Afi”.

Organized by Intersections, Inc., and directed by Mr. Losoloso Iaulualo, the TOA Fireknife Competition was made possible through the support of parents, sponsors, volunteers, and the wider community.

Major sponsors for the TOA Fireknife Competition were American Samoa Visitors Bureau, American Samoa TeleCommunications Authority, Amerika Samoa Humanities Council, Criminal Justice Planning Agency, and Department of Youth and Women Affairs.

The event was also proudly sponsored by All Star Signs and Graphics, American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Hawaii Fire Dance Company, Island Business Center, Night Hawk, Toopid Boys Kava Club, DJ Sentinol, Mr. and Mrs. Sitivi and Puao Savea, Mrs. Patricia Letuli, and Mrs. Evelyn Lili’o-Satele.

Intersections Toa O le Afi wishes to thank all of our sponsors, parents, and community for your generous support of our TOA competitors.

(See advertisement in today’s issue of Samoa News for more details, photos and formal thank you of Intersections Toa O le Afi event.)

(Source: Intersections TOA]