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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR – American Samoa
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Tuesday, January 1, 2008)
Contact: click here to email newsroom
(684) 633-4116 - Fax: (684) 633-2269 - Cell: (684) 731-8989
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Gov. Togiola
opens Samoa Bowl 5,
“show your support for
our troops” |
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(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today officially threw out the first football to the Hawaii and American Samoa Football All-Stars at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna to start Samoa Bowl 5. Final score: American Samoa All-Stars 22 – Hawaii All-Stars 7.
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Gov. Togiola’s Opening Ceremony Remarks |
“Our Samoan All Stars from Hawaii and American Samoa, coaches and the entire family support group, I wish you all a Happy New Year. It truly is a happy occasion for all of us as our sons and daughters have come together for the festivities of Samoa Bowl 5.
And now as we take the field for this exciting annual event, let us be reminded of the sacrifice and commitment of our other sons and daughters protecting our freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan and throughout the world.
As you play today, show your support for our troops. Play for a soldier whose sweat, blood and lives have been sacrificed so that we can enjoy our lives today in total freedom and pursuit of happiness.
Players, I know that some of your parents and family members are in Iraq and Afghanistan. Make sure you keep them and other soldiers close to your hearts and minds as you play today.
We thank God for the freedom that we are blessed with and continue to enjoy everyday. But, let us remember that freedom is not free.
I am reminded of Luke 12.48: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded."
Young men and women, all the players of Samoa Bowl today, and also our volleyball all-stars from Hawaii and American Samoa, I just want to remind you that your participation did not come as an accident. You were selected because of the great talent you have. You were chosen because you are young leaders. You have been appointed to the team because you have displayed leadership character and qualities among your peers.
So, today, you are playing as brothers on this land that you are proud of and call your home. No matter where you reside off island, you are brothers today and you will be brothers forever.
Play hard. Play well. Give it all your strength and all your might. But, play fair. Play by the rules. It is my prayer that the Good Lord will take care of all of us and keep us safe today. Finau malosi. Ta’aalo ma tauivi ma le fa’amaoni. Ia manuia le ta’aloga.”
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