Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa’s young and talented tennis team visited Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga on July 25, 2023, to celebrate their exceptional achievements at the 2023 Pacific Oceania Junior Championship held in Nadi, Fiji.
The elated young athletes, accompanied by their coach and representatives from the American Samoa Tennis Association (ASTA), were warmly welcomed at the Governor's office where Lemanu congratulated the team on their achievements.
"Having these talented young players join us for morning devotion is truly inspiring. Their outstanding performance at the 2023 Pacific Oceania Junior Championship is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the support of their community. We are proud to witness such noteworthy achievements and remain committed to furthering the growth of tennis in our territory," the governor said in a press release issued this past Tuesday.
The Governor praised the team's resilience and expressed his admiration for their dedication to the sport. He also commended the efforts of the American Samoa Tennis Association in nurturing and supporting the development of young tennis talents.
Coach Francine Amoa thanked Governor Lemanu on behalf of the ASTA: “We would like to send a big thank you to Governor Lemanu and the administration for resurfacing our tennis courts in Tafuna, and the nearby facilities so our young players can continue to practice, work hard and be competitive in the Pacific. We are grateful for your support.”
Am Samoa’s Junior Tennis team with Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga, the team’s coach and representatives from the American Samoa Tennis Association (ASTA) during the team’s visit to the Governor’s Office this week Tuesday, which celebrated their achievements at the 2023 Pacific Oceania Junior Championship held in Nadi, Fiji. [ASG photo]
THE MATCHES
April 17-22, 2023 the East Regional Qualifying tournament took place in Apia, Samoa, where four talented players from American Samoa earned their spots to compete in Fiji. The Twelve-and-Under Girls team, comprising Joelei Ioane (11), Alexandria Amoa (11), and Aitulagi Godinet (10), showcased their extraordinary skills and remained unbeaten against ten other island countries. Despite a tough finale against Fiji, the American Samoa team secured an impressive 2nd place overall, winning silver medals.
In the Boys Fourteen-and-Under category, Aifili Tamasoaali'i (12) demonstrated his prowess by winning his initial match against Vanuatu player Mathis Jacobe. While facing stiff competition from the top seed player from Northern Mariana Islands, Aifili managed to secure a commendable 8th place overall among 16 talented players.
The success of the American Samoa team was made possible by the contributions of numerous supporters and sponsors, including Bluesky American Samoa, Paramount Builders, and the many parents, individual donors, families, and friends of tennis enthusiasts who generously donated to their gofundme page earlier this year.
The American Samoa Tennis Association looks forward to nurturing and encouraging more promising talent in the future, continuing their journey towards excellence in the world of tennis.
