The Ministry of Police and the Fire and Emergency Services fautasi, Malu o Samoa, won the Foe Sipuni race on Wednesday morning, capping off the final day of Samoa’s Independence Day celebrations.
The crew was captained by Asuao Junior Vaalotu Fruean and crewed by recruits from the 2026 intake of the Ministry of Police and the Fire and Emergency Services. Speaking to local media shortly after the race, Asuao thanked God for their victory.
Malu o Samoa had placed third in Monday’s traditional fautasi race, the Foe Laau, which uses wooden oars. The crew returned on Wednesday to claim first place in the modern spoon-oar race. Asuao said the crew had trained together for only five weeks and were assisted by an experienced fautasi captain. The crew was coached by legendary fautasi skipper Vaimasenu’u Zita Martel.
“What motivated us to use our strength was our ‘Say No to Drugs’ campaign,” he said. “A message to the country would be to use your talents wisely.” He said young people should use their strength and talents for useful purposes and stay away from drugs.
Little Rina, from Toamua, pushed Malu o Samoa throughout the race. At one stage, commentators described the gap between the boats as “half a fautasi” or “10 seats,” with Little Rina ahead of Malu o Samoa just before the Vaitele area.
