There will be a fautasi race for this year’s Flag Day after all.
Yesterday fautasi captains changed a decision they made last week to call off the long boat race due to the impacts of Tropical Storm Gita.
Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga Tasi Asuega who chaired the meeting was not available but Manu’a District Governor Laolagi Vaeao told KHJ News after yesterday’s meeting that all the fautasi captains present agreed to have the race as this was one of the highlights of any Flag Day celebration.
Laolagi said that when last week’s meeting was held the presidential declaration of a major disaster had not been approved.
But with the happy news that assistance is forthcoming through the presidential declaration, there was a renewed feeling that the fautasi race, which is the most anticipated event of any Flag Day, should go on.
The tentative dates for the fautasi race are Saturday, April 14 for the preliminary heats and Monday, April 16 for the finals.
It was also decided at yesterday’s meeting that there will be one fautasi from each village.
Laolagi said the captains of all villages with fautasi were present except for Nuuuli and Leone.
Representatives at yesterday’s meeting were from Manu’a, Vatia, Pago Pago, Fagaalu, Manu’a, Aua and Fagatogo.
