Press Release, Date 20/6/12
Friday 1st June marked the 50th anniversary of Samoa’s independence. The country was bursting with pride during a long weekend of celebrations.
Rugby League Samoa was honoured to participate in several events during celebrations and relished the opportunity to promote the development of rugby league in Samoa.
Celebrations commenced on Thursday 31st May with RLS invited to attend Pacific Rim Boxing as VIP ringside guests. The RLS team were among the best dressed on the night, decked out in specially made Independence t-shirts provided by apparel sponsor Fi-ta. RLS was honoured to be recognised and appreciated at such a key event.
The highly anticipated Independence March through the streets of Apia on Friday 1 st June was the main event of celebrations. It was a long day for participants, checking in at 8am for the 1.30pm march. Despite the wait, the march was a wonderful event embodying the pride and honour surrounding the day.
An RLS group consisting of approximately 40 past and present players, administrators and coaches marched in front of dignitaries, government officials and thousands of proud locals. Leading the group were children from the RLS junior academy programs, highlighting the reach of grass roots programs in schools. Local sponsor of development programs Matniuel Screen Printing & Signs provided Independence shirts for the students to wear.
Saturday 2nd to Monday 4th was a time for RLS to showcase itsachievements within the community as well as exciting future plans. RLS was delighted to have an official stand at the Independence Exhibition and received positive feedback from the public. Many were pleasantly surprised to learn of the inroads RLS is making into the community.
Part of the RLS display was dedicated to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup campaign. Featured in the display were preliminary jersey designs by Fi-ta which also received a favourable response.
After a successful weekend of festivities, awareness of the development of rugby league in Samoa is definitely on the rise.
