Via Tiumalu Jr. Wins Second Consecutive Title in 12-17 Year Old Category
La‘ie, HI – May 19, 2006 Florida has come to win at the 14th Annual World Fireknife Championships currently underway at the Polynesian Cultural Center this weekend as the Tiumalu brothers took both titles in the Junior Pacific Fireknife Championships and 2005 World Fireknife Champion Mikaele Oloa advanced to the finals of the Masters division.
Via Tiumalu, Jr., 14, showcased why he won in 2005 as he deftly captured the title once again for 2006. His quick moves were even better than last year as he wowed the crowd with high-speed, multi-directional spins during his exciting routine. Younger brother Rex, 11, stood above the crowd of competitors in his 6-11 year-old category with the makings of a routine like his champion brother.
When asked about sharing the stage with his younger brother, Tiumalu said, ³I thought winning the title last year was the best moment of my life, but sharing the stage with my little brother and watching him perform was really cool too.²
³This is the first time in this competition that weıve had brothers win both age groups,² said Delsa Moe, competition emcee and director of cultural presentations at the Polynesian Cultural Center. ³Weıve seen a lot of brothers compete, but nothing as exciting as this. The quick knives and fast footwork of these boys from Orlando were no match for the other competitors.²
In the second night of the three-day competition, the kids were the real stars of the show as 16 competitors ranging in ages from 6 to 17 took the stage to compete for the title of Junior Pacific Fireknife Champion in their age categories.
Along with a specially designed set of trophy fireknives, Tiumalu also received a check for $800. Second place in the 12-17 year-old category went to 14-year-old Julius Tafiti from Laie along with $600. Third place and $400 went to Malakai Lavatai, 16, from Pago Pago, American Samoa.
Second place in the 6-11 year old category went to Kahikina Moise, 7, from Tahiti. Third place went to 6-year-old Hale Motuapuaka from Honolulu. This was his third year at the competition, but his first year of eligibility.
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 weekendıs 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
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