The Flag Day fautasi committee has made official the results of today’s 2017 Fautasi championship race, based on the outcome earlier in the morning, with Manulele Tausala I fautasi of Nu’uuli taking first place.

Second place is Iseula o le Moana of Fagatogo; followed by Fuao of Vatia; Paepaeulupo’o of Aua; Matasaua of Manu’a; Taema II of Leone; and Fetu o le Afiafi of Fagaalu.

Results of the championship were made final during the fautasi committee meeting with fautasi captains and village representatives late Saturday morning. Three people who attended the meeting, and asked not be identified by name, told Samoa News that the fautasi committee had suggested disqualifying the Fagatogo fautasi because it was in front of the starting line and took off rowing before the horn sounded to signal the start of race.

However, Fagatogo protested, that if they were going to be disqualified so should the Manulele Tausala, because it was also in front of the starting line before the race began. Samoa News had received reports that Manulele Tausala was in front of the starting line.

In the end, the meeting confirmed the result of today’s race.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Apr. 17, American Samoa celebrates the 2017 Flag Day celebration at Veterans Memorial Stadium marking 117 years since the territory became part of the United States family with the official Flag raising ceremony at 9a.m.

See Monday’s edition for other details from the fautasi race as well as update on the Flag Day ceremony.

Samoa News wishes American Samoa a happy 117th Flag Day celebration.