26 January 2012
The 2011 Samoan Sports Association Youth Scholarship winners have been announced. Recipients will be honoured at a
special awards ceremony on 2 February 2012 at the Pasifika Education Centre in Auckland.
Since 2003, the Association has awarded over 135 junior sportsmen and women scholarships totaling more than $100,000,
with a number of recipients going on to represent New Zealand on the international arena in rugby, swimming, softball,
martial arts, touch and gymnastics.
2011 applications exceeded all expectations and were the highest number the Association has ever had, from over 20
different sporting codes. The 2011 Youth Scholarship winners include:
Under 13
Gabrielle Fa’amausili – Swimming
Under 15
Bradley Abbey – Rugby League
Brittany Robertson - Gymnastics
Paige Schendelaar-Kemp – Swimming
Under 17
Aaliyah Ah Kiong – Basketball
Jeffrey Arona-Tuifana'e – Swimming
Under 19
Daniel Kayes – Waterpolo
Travis Muavae – Rugby League
Jennifer Fidow – Canoe Sprint
Rishan Po Ching – Canoe Sprint
Leesa Lealaisalanoa - Athletics
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About Samoan Sports Association
The Samoan Sports Association is an Auckland based not-for-profit organization recognizing outstanding contributions
made by Samoans within New Zealand sport. The Association’s primary aims are to promote a healthy lifestyle through
active participation in sport and leisure for the Samoan community in New Zealand by celebrating the achievements of our
elite athletes and providing financial assistance through scholarships to future generations. For more visit www.samoansports.co.nz
About Samoan Sports Association President Peter Fatialofa
Peter Fatialofa is the current President of the Samoan Sports Association, and has been on the Board since its inception
in 1995. He is a Samoan sporting legend, having captained Manu Samoa at its first ever Rugby World Cup in 1991, leading
the team to a stunning 16-13 victory against hosts Wales in Cardiff. Manu Samoa went on to reach the quarterfinals,
repeating the feat four years later in South Africa when Fatialofa was co-captain. Peter played club rugby for Ponsonby
as well as 72 games for Auckland in the1980s and early 90s. He is still heavily involved with Samoan rugby while
maintaining his family owned moving business based in South Auckland.
ENDS