The U.S. Embassy in Samoa hosted a reception at Vailima to welcome two star American football players who are visiting Samoa, on Thursday night.
Charge d’ Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Peter Ganser, welcomed Paul Solia’i and Isaako Aaitui along with members of the diplomatic corps and guests.
“It’s wonderful to see everyone and thank you all for coming this evening to a very special reception, honoring Paul, Isaako and the other members of the Paul Soliai Foundation,” he said.
“Rarely do I have a chance to mix two of my favourite things at the same time, hosting friends and watching the N.F.L. in action and I get to do both tonight and I feel blessed to have this opportunity.”
“As many of you know, Paul and Isaako are big stars in one of the biggest sports leagues in the world.”
“Paul just signed a new contract with the Atlanta Falcons and Isaako plays for the Miami Dolphins and they are the first activeduty N.F.L. players ever to set foot in Samoa and as sons of Samoa we are very pleased that we could take part in this historic visit.”
He said that Paul generously offered to travel to Samoa and give his time to the youth of Samoa by running football clinics at their schools and speaking with the schools communities about what they did to get where they are today and to share those insights to help the youth of Samoa.
”Thank you gentlemen — you honour us.”
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Mr. Ganser also thanked the support of partners.
“First I would like to thank the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture for all that they have done to make this visit a success.”
“You could not have done more to make this the success it has been so far; I would also like to thank BlueSky Communications for their co-sponsorship of this reception tonight and thank you Alex and Veronica.” “I would also like to thank the Samoa Rugby League for the generous use of their equipment this week.”
He also thanked the Samoa Sports Facilities Authority for their generosity in allowing them to use Apia Park on Saturday for an open clinic free to the public.
“Through the Department of State and their Sports United office in Washington, we were happy to be able to give the support to make this programme possible. Mr. Ganser said that people often ask why the United States sponsors sports diplomacy.
“That’s easy.”
“Sports help develop the academic, social, and leadership skills young people need in today’s world and it is this increased access to opportunity, which has led the Department of State to expand its support of sports initiatives across the world.”
“Since 2003, the Department of State has brought over 1,000 athletes from 65 countries to the U.S. to participate in Sport Visitor programmes.
“The State Department has also sent approximately 250 U.S. athletes to almost 60 countries since 2005 to run trainings and clinics, host tournaments, and share their inspiring stories with young people.”
In Samoa, they’ve hosted exchange programmes for rugby, sent a group of hearing impaired athletes from the SENESE School to the United States last year, and, now, brought in the two NFL players. Director of the Paul Solia’i Foundation Papali’i Junior Patane said it was a great opportunity for them to come here to Samoa where they belong.
“Just want to say thank you to the US Embassy for allowing us to be here tonight, we may live in America but we are proud to be Samoan.
“Education and spor t s measures the success of tomorrow and we can see a lot of courage given to the children in Samoa to do better in sports.”
Teary eyed, Paul Solia’i spoke simply and from the heart.
“I am so thankful to be back in my homeland and this is a blessing. Isa’ako Aaitui said that “it is a dream come true.”
“Visiting the schools is amazing and is also an opportunity.”
Rugby League Samoa members and President Tagaloa Faafouina Su’a also presented a jersey and rugby balls to the delegation.
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