The American Samoa Handball Association (ASHA) Summer 4 on 4 Handball League is in full swing at this time with boys and girls ages 9 to 18 from across the island taking part in one of the fastest growing sports not only here in American Samoa, but the United States as well.

Games take place at the Sports Complex Veterans Memorial Stadium Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays starting at 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday and Fridays are practice days, with Fridays being open to anyone who wishes to come down to the stadium at 3:30 p.m. to learn about the game and how to play it.

“The cheers and support from families and friends during the games have been great,” said ASHA President Carl Sagapolutele Floor. “Our young athletes are showing off their skills in competition to the amazement of not just the international spectators, but to the curious onlookers, and the daily walkers and runners that frequent the Sports Complex,” he said. “The leaping shots, fancy footwork and that sudden thud of a blocked shot entertained the crowd and showed those inquisitive enough to stop by and ask, what is this game? It’s handball!,” exclaimed Floor.

“I invite everyone down to the Sports Complex to check out the fast paced action from these homegrown talented athletes. I would like to thank the parents and participants and everyone else that helped out in making this summer league a success,” he said.

The next games are Monday at 3:30. Floor also invites anyone down to the stadium today who wishes to learn how to play the game, or just to learn about the game itself. You can visit the American Samoa Handball Association Facebook page, or call Floor at 770-4954 for more information on handball here in the territory.

The ASHA was able to put American Samoa on the Oceania Handball map when they took a team with no international experience to New Zealand last December to compete for the Oceania Under-19 International Handball Federation (IHF) Continental Trophy. Despite having the youngest team in the tournament and coming up shorthanded for the trophy, they were able to impress the IHF Officials that were on-hand for the tournament, with their aggressive style of play and the discipline they displayed along with great athleticism.

Here is the standings of the ASHA Summer 4 on 4 Handball League not counting yesterdays games:

Under 19 Mixed (boys and girls)

Team     W      L

Mongoose      2       1

Snake Hunter  1       2

Under 17 Mixed

Team     w      L

Hammers        2       0

Titans      2       1

Mustangs        0       2      

Under 13 Mixed

Team     W      L

Beast Mode   4       0

Uso’s      3       1

Green 13         2       2

Hang Loose    1       3

Hornets  0       4

Small Fry

Team     W      L

Knights   3       1

Rooks     1       3