34th Vailima Marist 7s and 6th Sports Season in March

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 24 FEBRUARY 2022: The 34^th Vailima Marist 7s and 6^th Sports Season originally scheduled for this week has been pushed back to 25 and 26 March 2022.

This is due to the recent Covid-19 lockdown with unprecedented number of positive cases Samoa has had so far.

The Marist Sports Club President, Pouniu Smith told the media today that the drive to resume this tournament is to boost the spirits of the young sports talents in Samoa while experiencing challenges brought by Covid-19 pandemic.

“We’re pushing to continue this program to be able to lift and bring something positive for our people as we’re going through these unprecedented times,” he added.

Tournament Director, Paupau Alex Mikaele said that this is the second year for international teams to not participate in the tournament as a result of the global pandemic lockdown.

But this is not holding back the drive to stage a competitive and enjoyable tournament with only local Men’s and Women’s teams to compete.

Marist Sports Club Committee. (L-R) Taupau Alex Mikaele (Tournament Director), Pouniu Smith (President), and Galumalemana Rudolf Moors (Vice President).

Rugby Sevens
Sixteen (16) teams have been selected to participate with Top Eight (8) from last year’s tournament and another 8 other teams selected by the Committee will compete in the Men’s category.

The 16 teams include the Ott Constructors, Laulii Lions, Tepatasi, Moataa, Tamauli, BBE Vaaiala, Vailima Marist and Josephs, SCB Apia Maroons, Lupesiliva Sapapalii, ACT Scopa, Lulumaivini Ulu Togia, DSL Satalo, Pacific Ezy Safotu, Pacific Freight Siumu, SSAB Sosoese Samatau, Saint Yeah Malotau, and HJ Keil Vaimoso.

For Women’s category, six (6) teams have been selected for this year’s tournament.

Marist Sports Season
Initially, this tournament was limited to Rugby Sevens but it has been expanded since 2017 to other sports such as Rugby League, Touch Rugby, Netball and Boxing hence why it has been called the Sports Season.

These events will run over two days – the 25th and 26th March 2022.