50 Polynesian rowers will participate in the upcoming World Va’a Marathon Championships in August in Apia. Due to the lack of funding from the previous government, the Tahitian Va’a Federation had to rely on voluntary clubs from the region to participate in the va’a races in Western Samoa this year.
A mini-delegation from the region will travel to Western Samoa from August 10th to 19th for the World Va’a Marathon Championships. Due to the lack of funding from the government earlier this year, no selection had been made.
The Tahitian Va’a Federation had to turn to clubs to ensure that Polynesia could be represented. “Following our request for funding from the federation, which was not honored, we approached clubs interested in making this trip. Each club prepared its budget. On its part, the FTV approached the new government for another request for assistance. Normally, the process is positive. We are confident about the medals, we expect to win at least ten gold medals. We will take the plane on August 10th,” explained Rodolphe Apuarii, president of the Tahitian Va’a Federation.
Bora Bora Va’a has the challenging task of representing the region in the V6 and vaa hoe categories for open men. As winners of the top 40 in this year’s Polynésie 1ère va’a race, their rowers are confident but still under pressure, especially against New Zealand.
EDT Va’a will bring junior girls and men to these championships. The club has registered in the V6 and va’a hoe categories. Heiarii and Maxime Mama, father and son, have been training their rowers for over a year. According to Maxime Mama, “everyone is ready.”
The 40-year-old veterans from ATN Va’a are also registered in the V6 and V1 categories for these events in Western Samoa.
However, due to the late registration of the Tahitian Va’a Federation for these world championships, two Polynesians, Manutea Millon (3rd place in this year’s Te Aito) and Iloha Echene (champion of the Te Aito vahine), could unintentionally row for New Zealand and France, respectively.
The Polynesian rowing community is eagerly anticipating the World Va’a Marathon Championships, and the clubs are ready to represent their region with determination and skill.
How do the Polynesian rowers exhibit unity and collaboration in their journey to compete in the World Va’a Marathon Championships
T to participate in the upcoming World Va’a Marathon Championships in Apia. The Tahitian Va’a Federation faced financial challenges due to insufficient funding from the previous government. As a result, the federation had to turn to voluntary clubs in the Polynesian region to ensure their representation in the va’a races in Western Samoa.
In an effort to overcome these obstacles, a mini-delegation from the Polynesian region will embark on a journey to Western Samoa in August. The group of skilled Polynesian rowers will take part in the highly anticipated World Va’a Marathon Championships. This event will showcase the talent and dedication of these athletes, who have trained rigorously to compete at the highest level.
Despite the setback caused by the lack of funding, the Polynesian rowers remain determined to demonstrate their prowess on the va’a races’ international stage. Their participation is a testament to their passion for the sport and their commitment to representing their respective clubs and nations.
The World Va’a Marathon Championships will offer a platform for these Polynesian rowers to showcase their skills and compete against some of the world’s finest va’a athletes. It will also provide an opportunity for cultural exchange, as participants from various nations will come together to celebrate the sport and their shared love for the ocean.
The Tahitian Va’a Federation, along with the voluntary clubs from the Polynesian region, demonstrates the power of unity and collaboration. Despite challenges, these organizations have come together to ensure the participation of the Polynesian rowers in this prestigious event.
As the World Va’a Marathon Championships draw near, anticipation and excitement build among the Polynesian rowers. They are eager to represent their clubs, nations, and the Polynesian region as a whole. Through their determination and resilience, they serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a testament to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship.
In August, the world will witness the strength and skills of these Polynesian rowers as they take on the challenges of the World Va’a Marathon Championships. They will undoubtedly make their mark on the international stage, leaving a lasting impression on the va’a racing community.
