Good sportsmanship was the highlight of the Special Olympics Samoa Football Day, hosted by Football Federation Samoa (FFS) at Apia Park yesterday.
Thirteen teams put their best foot forward and competed for first place in the wet conditions.
The inclusive nature of the games even saw teams share players with their opponents when it was required.
The athletes had their game faces on and showed off their football skills, eager to score a goal and make it through to the next round.
For the young females it was a chance to impress the selection committee before the 2015 World Games.
<!-- 336x280 (bottom-article) -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-2469982834957525"
data-ad-slot="1033882026"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>{/googleAds}
Senese was competitive finishing with the bronze medal and eager to compete in future soccer tournaments. The grand final was a close one, however Lepa Lotofaga came out as winners, defeating Loto Taumafai 1-0 in overtime.
SOS National Director Tusitina Nu'uvali speaks highly of the Football Federation Samoa’s contribution to the National Games.
“The FFS referees and volunteers come in full force to help out with our National Games. Not only did they bring their technical skills to the table, they also always have a positive attitude towards the athletes. I am thankful for Football Federation Samoa’s support – they have set the precedent and are a role model for other sporting organisations in Samoa”.
FFS CEO Sarai Bareman echoed the same sentiments about the partnership. “Football Federation Samoa are huge supporters of Special Olympics and it is a great privilege for us to be involved in their National Games. One of the greatest things about football is that it does not discriminate. It was truly a pleasure to watch the games today and especially to note the huge improvement in the skill level of the players since the first National Games in 2012”.
The FFS will continue to support the Special Olympic Monthly Games program throughout the remainder of 2014 and will be selecting a Women’s team to compete in the World Special Games in Los Angeles next year.
There is no doubt that the team spirit and determination of the athletes stood out during the SOS Football Day. SOS Sports Co-ordinator To’omata Walterlee Imo gleefully summed up the spirit of the games saying “At the end of the day, everyone who participated was a winner.”
<!-- ads-articles(24.03.14) -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-9419815128221199"
data-ad-slot="2395638412"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>{/googleAds}