and to make a historical Va’a Crossing for Charity which will start from Aggies at Mulifanua (Upolu Is) across to Salelologa (Savaii) and back covering a total distance of 45.26km.

Overview:
Samoa Ne’i Galo (SNG) simply means Samoa Lest We Forget. Va’a Alo is Samoan for outrigger canoe. Given the Nature of this project the name speaks for itself. We are Sons & Daughters of Samoa who have prospered here in New Zealand but haven’t forgotten about our people in need in Samoa.

We are a team of paddlers from different Outrigger Canoe clubs in Auckland. Amongst us there are two couples, two brothers, a former Manu Samoa Rugby player, a masters paddlers (+45yrs) and an under 19 Jr paddler. The diversity of gender, Age and varying background illustrates the community foundation of our venture. Having an under 19 Jr paddlers illustrates our focus on molding our next generation and setting a good example for them to follow. Regardless of such diversity the decision to rally together to raise funds for Charity in Samoa was equally shared by all.

Our teams (SNGVA) have dedicated this Outrigger Canoe crossing to Samoa’s Charity Organizations. Primarily we are focused on Mapauifagalele (home for the Elderly) & Nuanua o le Alofa (National Council for disabilities), However we are open to other Charity groups in Samoa of your Choice. “We are simply rendering our passion for the Outrigger canoeing so that we may help our people in need, residing in Samoa. We have committed the first step, so we hope our Samoan Businesses & Community will acknowledge this, and lend a financial hand".

Method:
(1.) You can support us by sponsoring/donating us your money, a small percentage of the money received goes towards the teams expenses and the remainder goes to charity;
(2.) You can attend our Info evening night on Friday 16th May which will be a couple of hours of information about our cause and our team as well as the opportunity to get to meet each other, this may help you make your decision to support;
(3.) You can also support us by attending our social which will be held on Saturday 24th May at the Chillis Bar on Great Sth Road in Manukau, Auckland, there'll be a raffle of four prizes to be drawn as well as enjoying a night out with outrigger paddlers and their families and friends;

Who are we:
Fred Puni (Waitakere), John Papalii (Akarana), Mark Williams, Diana Tauvale, Josh Perese, James Papalii (Manukau), Dean Perese (Pakuranga), Tina Kea (Cook Islands), Mike Sala (Tamaki),Tino Papalii (Auckland), Rudolf Williams (Manukau).
Note: Rudolf will be unable to attend the Va'a Crossing due to his awesome efforts in competing for Samoa in Kayaking at the Beijing Olympics, Rudolf is a member of our team and we wish him well.

Samoa Ne’I Galo Va’a Alo would like to thank the Following Samoan Based Sponsors for their generous financial support: Waitui Outrigger (Samoa & Fiji), Maria’s Health Care Pharmacy, A.B store & Flowers, Lewis Installations & Tuning (Samoa & NZ), Medcen Hospital and Eventpolynesia.com.
(For information on the Information Evening or our Social you can contact any of the following people):

Fred Puni - 02102487697 [email protected]
Mark Williams - 0211795407 [email protected]
Diana Tauvale - 0212123591 [email protected]
Tina Kea and Mike Sala - [email protected]
John Papalii - 0210627223 [email protected]