Tonga’s first ever women’s crew to compete at an international outrigger canoe competition, leaves for Samoa this week to represent the Kingdom at the Alo Paopao Regatta Festival in Apia from September 15 – 20.
Known as Taufatahi team paddlers are all from Tonga and have been training together since February this year.
The team’s traning sessions included 20km paddles around the Tongatapu islands every week for the last 6 months.
“We are grateful for all the support that local businesses and individuals have provided to fund our team. We would like to thank each and every one of them for their encouragement and generosity,” says Rose Fangupo from the team.
Taufatahi will be racing in the 20km outrigger race and sprints next week against international outrigger teams from Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.
The New Zealand Tongan-based band, Three Houses Down, will be in Apia to participate in a concert during the festival.
