A well-known local volleyball team, I'a Sa from Leusoali'i reigned supreme in American Samoa at the Flag Day tournament held in the territory last week and come out victors.

The Samoan team beat another team from Samoa, the Fagali'i volleyball team to come out the victors of the Flag Day tournament.

The I'a Sa Club Manager, Wayne Aimaasu told Samoa Observer that this was the first time they've won since they started participating in the tournament in American Samoa in 2015. 

Humbled and grateful for the milestone they've achieved as a team, Mr. Aimaasu credited their success to everyone who helped them throughout their journey. 

He said participating in the Flag Day Volleyball tournament in American Samoa was never part of the club's agenda for this year and they had only one week to prepare and plan for their trip to Pago-Pago. 

"As a club, we acknowledge and give credit to everyone whose efforts and contributions led to this successful milestone," Aimaasu said. "We immediately thank God for his guidance and blessings upon us."

He also made special mention of their spiritual fathers and church ministers of the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) and Methodist Church in Leusoali'i Samoa, their families, close friends, and members of the club who were cheering them on from Samoa. 

Mr. Aimaasu also acknowledged the support of Reverend Motu Taufetee and his family who hosted them in Nu'uuli. 

"We wouldn't have made it this far without the prayers and support of our close community as well as the commitment and endurance of our management, coach, and players. 

"This is the first time I'a Sa has won the American Flag Day Tournament. This success is giving us a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in knowing that we are developing as a club and as individual players. We are humbled and grateful and extremely happy."

The American Samoa Flag Tournament was not on the agenda for I'a Sa this year, though Mr. Aimaasu said after winning the national tournament in Samoa in March of this year, the team made a pitch to management about wanting to compete in the tournament. 

"We then only had one week to plan and prepare all the logistics. The decision to compete in American Samoa was made instantaneously, however, it presented an occasion and milestone we are tremendously grateful for," he said. 

"In terms of Physical Training, we have a one-day weekly training at N.U.S. and daily ball runs at our humble beach court at Leusoali'i since February. 

"These trainings are our preparations for our own national volleyball tournaments in Samoa but every now and then we get opportunities like this to compete in international platforms."