Traditional Polynesian sports were in the spotlight on Wednesday on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. A delegation of 30 athletes from the homeland had travelled to participate in the 10th edition of the Te Moana Nui Traditional Games, a competition bringing together representatives from several Pacific territories.
And the first announced results show strong performances, particularly in the Timau Ra’au event, the fruit-porters race.
Among the Tama, Enoch Laughlin Junior clinched first place, ahead of Hauarii Teapehu, second. The same success was achieved in the Tāne Masters, with Franck Emery taking the top spot ahead of Vaiani Temataua and Daniel Tavearii.
In the Tāne Senior category, Eremoana Manuel finished second, behind Maviri Gauthier, representing Hawaii. Winsy Tama placed fourth, Adrien Manuel sixth, Tefana Tufaimea seventh and Mana ninth.
The women also achieved good results. Maite Tamarii Emery took third place among the Vahine, ahead of Aiatua Iotua, fourth, while Tautiare Tuahu finished eighth. In the Vahine Master category, Tina Teehu climbed onto the second step of the podium. The competitors had to carry a load of 10 kilograms on their shoulders along a hilly course in the heart of Waimea Valley.
Notable performances also in coconut climbing
In the Ta’uma Ha’ari event, the coconut climber, Vaiani Temataua stood out among the Tāne Masters by taking second place, with a time of 11.84 seconds, behind a Samoan competitor. Tetuarii Teapehu was also competing in this category.
Among the Tāne, Tefana Tufaimea was the sole representative of the Polynesian delegation among the eleven participants. The podium was dominated by Hawaii athletes, with Kupa’a leading in 6.16 seconds, followed by Maviri Gauthier in 6.84 seconds. The Samoan Lueli completed the podium in 8.25 seconds.
Finally, in the Feia Api category, Hauarii Teapehu, from Raivavae, posted a time of 3.78 seconds. He was the only competitor entered in his category.
Beyond the athletic performances, this edition was also marked by a cultural highlight. Before the competition, the athletes took part in the traditional Makahiki ceremony at the Waimea Valley marae. The Polynesian delegation presented an offering, a dance performance and a haka performed by the tāne.
