This year marks the third consecutive participation of the Lupelele crew from Iliʻili in the annual Fautasi Race, an event that proudly coincides with the celebrations of American Samoa’s Flag Day. Boasting a robust team of over 40 dedicated members, the crew is expertly led by the skilled skipper, Faʻafetai Aʻasa, who brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the helm. Supporting him in this endeavor are trainers Sanele Sanele and Alapati Aasa. [Facebook photo]





![American Samoa goalkeeper Ayana Kilisimasi in action during their final pool match against a strong New Zealand Football Ferns side on Thursday in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Unfortunately, New Zealand ended Am Samoa’s 2027 Oceania Qualifiers winning streak. [courtesy photo] Ayana Kilisimasi in action](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/as_goalie.jpg?itok=1MOWdzbU)
![Destiny Vaeao in Ofu, where he recently visited. [Facebook photo] Destiny Vaeao and others](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/destiny_vaeao_in_ofu.jpg?itok=kLbg6sS8)
![U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Samoa Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt following the signing of the Open Skies Agreement on Monday at Taumeasina Island Resort. The agreement comes amid a hike in Samoa’s airport fees, making it more expensive to fly in & out of the island nation, including transiting. [courtesy photo] Christopher Landau and Samoa Prime Minister](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/landau3.jpg?itok=ndT08tyl)






