Current champ, former champ and newcomer compete for crown
La‘ie, HI – May 19, 2006 Nine semifinal competitors were narrowed to three tonight at the Polynesian Cultural Center¹s 14th Annual World Fireknife Competition. The top three competitors advancing are:
· Joseph Cadousteau, Tahiti
· David Galeai Laie, Hawaii (three-time world champion)
· Mikaele Oloa - Orlando, Florida (current world champion)
Oloa, the youngest of the three finalists at just age 16, waived his participation in the junior competition last year to test his skills and won the championship. He returned this year to defend his title and the competition is hotter than ever with two world champions competing for the title against the challenger from Tahiti.
The three outstanding challengers will compete for the championship tomorrow night, May 20, in the PCC¹s Pacific Theater during the intermission of the 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Horizons night show. The scores from both performances will be tallied to determine the final ranking and winner, which will be announced at the end of the 8 p.m. show.
Each finalist was selected based on the judges¹ scores for use of traditional motions, speed, skill and the smooth flow of their dance, as well as the height of their toss. Points were deducted if they dropped the knives.
In addition to the title, they are also competing for cash, a trophy knife and prizes worth up to $4,000. First place will receive $4,000, second place will earn $2,000 and third place receives $1,000 in addition to the $500 received for being a semi-finalist.
Sponsored by Coca-Cola, Hawaiian Airlines, Electric Pencil, Henry S. Mataalii & Company, Turtle Bay Resort, and the PCC, this annual competition draws spectators from around the world.
Tickets for the World Fireknife Championship finals are $40 for adults and $30 for children ages 3-11. Call 293-3333 to make reservations. Visit the PCC website at www.polynesia.com for updates on the results of the 14th Annual World Fireknife Dance Competition and to purchase DVD highlights of the weekend¹s festivities.
Since its beginning in 1963, the Polynesian Cultural Center has entertained more than 33 million visitors by preserving the spirit, culture and people of Polynesia. This week, all guests are invited to attend the Fireknife Competition and even learn the ancient art of fireknife dancing during free, on-site seminars.
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Media Contact: Amy Hennessey
Phone: 808-539-3439
Mobile: 808-381-9197
