The Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, and his Masiofo, Her Highness Filifilia Tamasese, welcomed two National Football League (N.F.L.) stars yesterday.
Paul Soliai and Isaako Aaitui touched down at Faleolo International Airport yesterday morning and one of their first stops was their Highnesses’ residence at Tuaefu.
There, the stars and their entourage were officially welcomed to Samoa.
The players are in the country to promote football and healthy living for Samoan people through sports.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to be here to give back to our people,” said Paul Soliai. “Our hearts are in Samoa.
“Growing up as a kid we didn’t get a chance to meet the Head of State and the leaders of our country but coming back and getting that chance is a blessing for our families.”
Soliai, whose roots are in Solosolo and Vaiala, said it is a privilege to come back to Samoa.
“The main purpose of our visit is to teach our Samoan people how to stay healthy and live a longer life,” he said.
“We just had to come here, come back home and give back.”
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His colleague Aaitui said the trip is also about promoting football in Samoa.
“We believe there is great potential here that needs to be unearthed,” he said.
“A lot of Samoan athletes have been aligned with success in many different sports, including football, so our goal is that we are trying to promote the game to all our teenagers here in Samoa.”
Their highnesses were delighted to welcome the football players.
“It’s great that you have taken the time to come,” His Highness Tui Atua said.
“It is the Samoan spirit to come home and share about your success in those countries.”
The Head of State thanked the players for their heart to give back to their country.
He also praised their national pride and spirit to come all the way to Samoa to help.
To mark the special meeting, the players presented His Highness Tui Atua and the Masiofo with souvenirs from their teams.
Today, the group’s visit will kick off at Leifiifi College.
They are scheduled to visit Samoa College tomorrow. Paul Fuapapa Soliai, 30, is a nose tackle for the Atlanta Falcons.
He played college football at the University of Utah, and was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2007 N.F.L. Draft. Isaako Aaitui, 27, is a defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins.
He was originally signed by the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football at U.N.L.V.
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